A Best Friend

20 Jul

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.  (Rom 8:26-27)

Do you remember the many times you may have been tongue-tied?  Teens often get that way with first loves.  Remember not knowing what to say to that special person?  We would often go to our best friend and ask him or her what to say.

Maybe we would ask our best friend to “put in a good word” for us to the person we had eyes on.

We were so petrified of saying the wrong thing that we would say nothing at all.  We would use our friend to say things for us instead.

Many continued that way of communicating with others as they got older.  Maybe they wanted to say something to the boss but they were afraid.  Instead, they may have gone to a co-worker and asked that co-worker to relay a message to the boss.

We often do the same thing with God.

Because many people are afraid to go to God directly, they utilize a favorite saint as a best friend.  They ask the particular saint to intercede for them to God.

God knows that weakness in our human condition.

He has given us a “best friend” in the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit takes the words that we cannot find to our God.  The Holy Spirit sees our dreams and yearnings and helps us to verbalize them in prayer.

God understands our timidity.  That is why He supplies us with the perfect friend to help us pray.

FAITH ACTION:  Pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit by St. Augustine

Breathe into me, Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy.

Move in me, Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy.

Attract my heart, Holy Spirit,
that I may love only what is holy.

Strengthen me, Holy Spirit,
that I may defend all that is holy.

Protect me, Holy Spirit,
that I may always be holy.