In relation to God we are always in a position of response. For a start, he is within you by his Holy Spirit who is already in active communion with God. In other words, you are being drawn up into the communion that takes place within the Triune Godhead: “The Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans…the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27). So don’t just pray to God. Pray with God. Don’t start by praying for what you want. Your autonomous desires are not to govern your life any longer. They are now the material of your sacrificial offering to God. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24-25) So, leave your living sacrifice at the altar and enter the Most Holy Place of fellowship with God. Pray in confluence with God. Pray with God and in God: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). Don’t rush forwards. You don’t make this happen. Apart from him you can do nothing, least of all pray. Prayer is not a spiritual task. It’s an emergent feature of our communion with God. This calls for reverence and worship. Wait on God. Ask for his help. Ask him to lift you up and guide you. Yield to his mighty benevolent will. Don’t try to get started. He’s already started the conversation. You are in the position of response.
Wait on God. Ask him to help you pray. Surrender to his will.
Read Galatians 5:13-26.
