Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
This passage of scripture teaches us that The Holy Spirit takes the initiative in modifying our prayer requests, putting them into a format which would be acceptable to God, and He also brings our petitions into harmony with God's will, so that they can be answered. The fact that we do not know what we should pray for, nor how to pray, sheds great light on our dire need of God's interposition in our behalf, for if it were left up to us, we would probably be asking for things that would bring us more problems than we already have, and which could also have adetrimental effect on our relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ.
When it was time for Isaac to be married, Abraham went into prayer with an open mind, for although he may have had his own preferences for his son, yet he was willing and humble enough to be led according to God's will, by allowing Him to take the lead, and he to follow where The Holy Spirit would lead the way. And Isaac must not be forgotten in the very same experience, for he too, being in the prime of manhood, must have desired, or at least thought about making some input into a decision which would affect him for the rest of his life.
But like father, like son, for Isaac was also found to be praying, trusting that The Holy Ghost would make the very best choice for him, for it is an undisputed fact, that God knows what is best for His children, and even though we do not know how to pray, and what to ask for, yet if we are willing to wait upon God, He will provide such answers to our innermost desires, that will fulfill all of our dreams, and then some. Let's read:
Genesis 24:63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. 64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. 65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us?..... 67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her"....
We do not know how many young adults living today might be willing or patient enough to have The Holy Spirit choose someone for them, for it is often the case that we have our own preconceived ideas of a soul mate, and in many cases, neither God nor parents are consulted, as to the wisdom and far-reaching consequences of such an important decision.
Whenever we have any urgent requests, and whenever there are important decisions to be made, let us not cultivate the attitude of pushing our own agenda to the throne of grace, with the hope that God will then sign of on what we have previously decided, without any input or guidance from The Holy Spirit. But let us instead pray in faith, knowing that the same God who came through for Abraham and Isaac, will do the same for us, if we are willing to let The Spirit help our infirmities.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which demonstrates the sacred truth, that God knows what we have need of in every circumstance of life, and it is His will, that our requests and prayers be made with the understanding, that The Holy Spirit will modify or even change them so that we will be in harmony with God's great purposes for our lives. Let's read:
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!