And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. Romans 8:26-27 (CEV)
Do I have deep feelings for others who are not my family or my friends? Am I sensitive to people who cannot see Jesus as the Son of God? Do I mourn for them because they do not have peace to get them through each day or assurance for what awaits after death?
Jesus cried, mourned, over the people of Jerusalem:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.38 And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. 39 For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Matthew 23:37-38 (NLT)
Jesus cried over those who would not see Him for who and what He was – is. I believe Jesus still “mourns” over those who will not, can not, see Him today. Do I have a sensitive heart for the Jews? Do I have a tender heart for the Muslims? And more across the world who cannot see God’s Truth?
For 50 days before Pentecost, the disciples fasted and prayed in a locked room. And then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke and 3,000 (some born as Jews and others chose to be Jews) finally saw Jesus as the Messiah. And we know the disciples went on to share the Good News with anyone who would listen.
I want to pray that people, whoever and whatever they are, will come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Abraham Lincoln said, “I am sorry for the man who can not feel the whip when it is laid on the other man’s back.” I have been without Jesus in my life and God has been faithful to keep that memory of pain and loneliness fresh in my mind. When I pray for people, God guides me in thought and word. I see Jesus in my mind, praying over the people in Jerusalem today. I join Him in intercession for those who are blind. I want my heart to ache as His heart aches for God’s children.
For too long, my idea of mourning was defined by the death of my son or those that I served in hospice. I believe God is showing me true mourning now as I see the world in chaos and horrific pain which can only be relieved in God’s Kingdom, not this earthly one. And in prayer, the Spirit of God always brings me to the “Amen” with the knowledge of His wisdom and His great love.
Whether we pray in the early morning, as we lay down to rest at night, in a mid-day respite, or carry an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day, let us always hold with steadfast hearts to the promises, the faithfulness, and the unconditional love of God. No matter our sins, even the rejection of God, has been covered by Jesus’ sacrifice. God’s gift of forgiveness is for everyone who will come with repentance and a heart which knows no other way to go on but through a stumbling, hopeful step into His arms.
Come to Me written by Kari Jobe and sung by Jessie Goodman
