The Mystery of Prayer
A Sermon on Romans 8:26-27
Originally preached Nov. 3, 1961
Scripture
26Likewise 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. 27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because …
Sermon Description
Is prayer really important for every Christian? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that there are Christians who think there is no need to pray. “Trust God since He already knows everything,” they say. When they read Romans 8:26–27, they object: “This makes little sense. God knows all things already. We don’t know what to pray for. The Spirit prays for us. What point and purpose is there in praying?” In this sermon on Romans 8:26–27 titled “The Mystery of Prayer,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers very practical lessons regarding the mystery of prayer by answering questions about prayer including: “Why do we pray? Who should pray and who should not pray? How do we pray? What are the different types of prayer? What rules do we follow when we pray? What prayers are always acceptable to God? What cautions regarding prayer do we find in Scripture? Can we ever be confident when we pray for certain things?” The answers to these questions on prayer will encourage the Christian’s soul as they present their requests before God.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
- This intercession is for the saints, not for unbelievers. God does not hear the prayers of sinners.
- There are different types of prayer. Groaning is not the only or highest form of prayer. The Bible records many prayers with words. We should pray with words and reason with God.
- We should not tell everyone to just start praying. We need to teach people how to pray and that not just anyone can approach God at any time. We need Christ and the Spirit to intercede for us.
- We should exercise caution about personal requests and claiming things from God. We should submit to God's will and trust in His peace.
- There is a prayer of faith where the Spirit gives us certainty that our prayer will be answered. This is not common but shows our growth in prayer.
Sermon Q&A
What Does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About Prayer in Romans 8:26-27?
What is the mystery of prayer according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the mystery of prayer lies in the apparent contradiction that we are commanded to pray while being told that our prayers are originated by the Holy Spirit according to God's will. Some might ask: "If God already knows everything and the Spirit intercedes for us according to God's will, why pray at all?" Lloyd-Jones explains that this seeming contradiction is resolved by understanding that God ordains not only the ends but also the means to those ends. Prayer is one of God's appointed means to bring believers to their ultimate glory. Far from being an argument against prayer, the Spirit's intercession should make us pray more, not less.
Who does the Holy Spirit intercede for in prayer?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the Holy Spirit only intercedes for the saints (believers), not for unbelievers. He points out that the text in Romans 8:27 specifically states that "he maketh intercession for the saints." This means that the Spirit's help in prayer is exclusively for Christians. Lloyd-Jones cautions against the practice of advising all people indiscriminately to pray without first explaining how one obtains access to God through Christ. He quotes John 9 where it states "God heareth not sinners" and teaches that there is no entry into God's presence except through Jesus Christ.
What are the different types of prayer according to Lloyd-Jones?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies several types of prayer and cautions against a false interpretation that suggests groaning is the highest form of prayer. While acknowledging that there are times when believers can only groan due to perplexity or suffering, he maintains this is not the norm or ideal of Christian prayer. He points to examples throughout Scripture where great prayers are offered with words, reasoning, and pleading with God. Lloyd-Jones identifies prayers of worship, spiritual requests, pleading God's promises, and the prayer of faith as different ways believers can approach God depending on the situation.
What general rules for prayer does Lloyd-Jones provide?
Lloyd-Jones provides several practical rules for prayer:
- Always start by realizing who God is and worshiping Him
- Spiritual requests (for God's kingdom, greater knowledge of God, holiness) are always right
- It is always right to plead the promises of God
- Exercise caution with personal requests to avoid receiving what you want but experiencing "leanness of soul"
- Where God's will is not certainly known, utterly submit yourself to Him first
- Never demand or claim things from God, but make requests with humility
- Be honest when you don't know what to pray for
What is the prayer of faith according to Lloyd-Jones?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the prayer of faith is not about trying to work up belief or convince yourself that God will answer. Rather, it is "an absolute certainty that is given occasionally by the Holy Spirit himself." When the Spirit gives this prayer, He also gives the assurance that it will be answered. Lloyd-Jones uses the example of Peter healing the lame man at the temple gate - Peter wasn't experimenting or uncertain, but had been given a divine commission with certainty. Lloyd-Jones points out that the apostles never announced miracles beforehand and never experienced failures after Pentecost because they only acted when given specific Spirit-led direction.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.