The two columns that support us in our daily life should be prayer and Scripture. But, while praying is simple in principle (it’s just a conversation with God), it’s not always easy in practice. We might lack motivation, we’re easily distracted, and we’re not always sure what we should be praying for. God understands our weaknesses, so He provides help in the form of the Holy Spirit.

Paul wrote: ‘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. 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’ (v.26-27 NLT). That means, no matter how we feel when we pray, the Holy Spirit is in prayer with us and for us, transforming our feeblest prayers into powerful appeals to our heavenly Father.

And when it comes to the second column of Scripture, the Holy Spirit’s role is just as dynamic. Jesus said, ‘When the Spirit of truth, is come, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words, but he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is to come’ (John 16:13 NCV). The Holy Spirit guides us as we study God’s Word and try to understand it, takes what Jesus wants us to know and reveals it to us, and opens our understanding about things that are still to come. Good reference books, Scripture-based resources, and skilled, trustworthy Bible teachers are very helpful, but they’re no substitute for hearing from the Holy Spirit yourself and listening carefully to what He wants to tell you.

What Now?

Are prayer and Scripture a daily part of your life? If not, try setting a reminder on your phone saying something like ‘Time to pray and read the Bible.’ Make the reminder specific about what you’re going to do, so it becomes a natural part of your day.