Apocalyptic, Prayer and the Holy Spirit

"We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies."  [also 2 Corinthians 5:2, "here indeed we groan and long to put on our heavenly dwelling"] Paul speaks of this life as a time of groaning and struggle; not because life is bad, but because the new life of the Kingdom is being born.  (see also Jesus in Mk 13:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:3, Revelation 12:2). The Bible declares that the world as we know it is passing away. Jesus said it (Mt 5:18; Mk 13:31). Paul said it to the Corinthians in two letters (1 Cor 7:31; 13:10; 2 Cor 5:17). 1 John said it (2:17). Seven times we read this in the book of Revelation (17:8, 11; 18: 14, 21; 21: 4, 11; 22:5). Jesus said it will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (Mt 24:42-44; also 2 Peter 3:10).

Jesus uses the language of Jewish Apocalyptic* literature and many early Christian writings do the same. The Apocalyptic worldview rejects the notion of progress, predicting that chaos and destruction will increase. The apocalyptic world view is of a creation that will be consumed and something new will replace it--much like the death and resurrection of Jesus. Humans cannot and will not progress into a brighter future; only God and His Messiah can save humanity. Salvation, though, is a painful process, like giving birth to new life. So anguish and physical duress are part of the process, in part because the world, the flesh and devil are in open and hostile rebellion to God's healing work. While some might find this message bleak, it does seem to reflect the real world. If the apocalypse says that bad things will happen to God's people, maybe we should not be surprised when bad things happen. This is why Jesus told us to expect trouble but not to despair. We are neither optimistic nor pessimistic. We are Christians who know that Jesus is Victor, even if the victory is not fully revealed. This is why Paul says that we have hope--we hope for what we do not see and we hope in patience awaiting it to arrive.

The truth is, life can be hard and we get discouraged. We are weak---but the Spirit of God helps us in our weakness. Paul says that weakness is manifested in the inability to pray as we ought. The Spirit, he says, intercedes on our behalf. There are many excuses for not praying, but in the end the core reason is we do not want God at the center of our life. We literally choose darkness and death rather than light and life. It is why creation groans---our sins and offenses. It is why we suffer--sins and offenses. It is why we need to be saved and it is why only God can save us.

Prayer, then, is an encounter with the God who saves. Responding to His Love, prayer unites us to Abba Father. Paul says that deep prayer may have no words. The groaning of our hearts, lifted to God, is the best kind of prayer. And the Spirit does it within us.

The challenge is to set aside time to turn to Him. The challenge is to be quiet and say, "Here I am, Abba." We seek Abba--not to get, not to ask--but to simply be with Him. Prayer is so simple that a young child can do it, yet so sublime that a spiritual master never becomes competent. Prayer is our duty and it is God's gift to us. Remember, the Holy Spirit is praying in us, give over your heart and stop worrying about the words to say. The Bible gives you all the words you need.

Our foundation for prayer is the daily office. Take a verse and sit with God: "To you, Lord, I lift up my heart, in you, God, I put all my trust." "Create in me a pure heart, Lord, and put a right spirit within me." "Jesus mercy." "Thank you Father." Simple words from our groaning heart. Again. Again. Again. Letting the words become part of us and allowing the Spirit to make us one with God.
Now do it each day.

*For a simple introduction to the literature see
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalyptic_literature