the power of the Spirit

today’s second reading from romans chapter 8 is powerful:

“Brothers and sisters:
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
And the one who searches hearts
knows what is the intention of the Spirit,
because he intercedes for the holy ones
according to God’s will.”

human weakness is underappreciated in our lives. our human weakness can lead us to a deeper relationship with God. there are aspects of who we are that we cannot change on our own no matter try on our own so we often pray to God. but God is not a super-santa claus in the sky. the fruits of prayer will be from the Spirit’s action

there is mystery and inexplicable grace that comes from prayer that is bolstered by the Spirit who “intercedes with inexpressible groanings”

glossolalia is greek for “inexpressible groanings”. glossolalia is an important dimension of the charismatic movement and gift to the larger church. these experiences of the power of the Spirit have changed countless lives; those who have experienced it more easily give themselves over to living in the Spirit. these inexpressible groanings fill the hearts of the faithful with joyful love and peaceful consolation along with a Spirit-power that showers down supernatural energy from God.

may the Spirit renew our hearts today to receive the fruits of this needed intercession. may our hearts be filled with love so that we may share the power of the Spirit with all we encounter today for the continued transformation of our world.