Praying with Hope: Day 9
Intention
To live as people of hope, praying confidently to God for others, knowing that even when we don’t have the words, the Spirit intercedes for us with wordless groans.
Scripture
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
– Romans 8:22–27
Reflection
Sometimes we feel we don’t have the words to say to people. Perhaps we are put on the spot and expected to explain our faith in Christ. Or maybe we are wanting to bring words of comfort at a time of great sadness.
In those moments we can take hold of the promise of Jesus: “Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:11–12).
What are we to do then when we feel we don’t have the words to say to God? Paul pictures this world groaning like a pregnant woman striving to give birth. Jesus has laid the foundation of a new creation in his death and resurrection.
But it will not come into existence without pain and struggle. Every report of tragedy, every experience of personal weakness is a reminder that things are not as they are meant to be and not (thank God!) as they will one day be.
What should we pray in a world of such great need? Where do we begin?
In this time of waiting, we have the promise that God’s Spirit will intercede for us. When human words fail us, God’s Spirit speaks the language of heaven, because the Spirit perfectly understands the mind and the purposes of God.
People who pray this way can live as people of hope. We don’t have it all figured out, but we can be confident that in Spirit-led prayer we are connected to our gracious God who sees the beginning from the end.
Video
Prayer
God of hope, you call on us to be your witnesses in this uncertain world.
By your Spirit, awaken in us a true vision of your kingdom, a greater certainty of our salvation, and a deeper dedication to your service;
that through our words and actions the same Spirit may bring many who are lost to be found, and for them to celebrate the hope that we can only have in Jesus Christ.
In whose name we pray. Amen.
Author Bio
Dr Mark Short, Bishop of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, will be begin his role as the Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia on 1 November 2025. He will be the first evangelical Anglican national leader since 1982.
Bishop Short was a delegate at the recent Australian Evangelism Roundtable, an event organised by the Canberra Declaration in partnership with other key ministries, to strategise getting the gospel out to every Australian by Pentecost 2033.
Prayer Points for October 2025
- God to pour out his blessing and Spirit on every church in Australia and its leaders. Hebrews 13:7
- All churches in Australia to grow in Christlikeness and win people to Christ. Acts 6:7
- Widespread adoption of Reaching Australia 2033 and its plan to activate every believer in personal evangelism. Acts 1:8
- Revival for Australia and for millions to come to Christ. Isaiah 64:1–2
We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to faith in Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ.
Sign up to receive daily devotions during October in your inbox (and find extra info) here.
Join us for our nightly Zoom prayer call:
DATES: Every night from Wednesday, 1 October to Friday, 31 October
TIME: 8 pm AEDT; 7:30 pm SA; 7 pm QLD; 6:30 pm NT; 5 pm WA
ZOOM URL LINK: zoom.us/j/776881184
ZOOM TUTORIAL: youtube.com/watch?v=pAMDxH_H_Cs
View all Prayer for the Church October 2025 devotionals
Daily devotions are brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.
___
Photo via Adobe.
5 Comments
Leave A Comment
Recent Articles:
15 July 2026
4.2 MINS
Multi-platinum rock band Skillet has achieved major mainstream success while openly maintaining a committed Christian faith, resisting industry pressure to downplay their evangelical beliefs. Lead singer John Cooper, known for his vocal faith, has testified to the power of the gospel, which the band brings to a global audience through their music.
15 July 2026
3.9 MINS
UK authorities are treating the murder of devout Christian and former British MP Ann Widdecombe as domestic terrorism.
15 July 2026
4.4 MINS
In an age when our Prime Minister openly jokes about 'shagging' and candidly discusses his marital sex life, we might think the question of modesty is settled. It's not. In fact, it's never been more urgent.
15 July 2026
16.4 MINS
Months of public statements by conspiracy theorist commentator Candace Owens about Charlie Kirk's death are facing a legal reckoning in Utah. As evidence mounts against Tyler Robinson and witnesses take the stand, her narrative is crumbling under courtroom scrutiny.
14 July 2026
3.4 MINS
Riding a wave of viral success from high-profile debates, biblical scholar Wes Huff will teach a new eight-part course on the Historical Reliability of the Bible through Dr. Jordan Peterson's Academy. The course will cover topics from canon formation to archaeological data and the historical Jesus.
14 July 2026
3.9 MINS
The Greens are pushing an "anti-conversion practices" bill that goes further than anything we've seen in other states — and it should alarm every Australian Christian, parent, and, actually, everyone — not just Tasmanians. Please pray for Tasmania.
14 July 2026
3.7 MINS
Recent reporting — including statements from Israel’s new ambassador to Australia and a powerful press release from the Indigenous Friends of Israel — reveals a disturbing truth: antisemitism in Australia has surged. Australia is facing a moment of moral reckoning.
Great devotion Bishop Mark!!!!!
“I am the alpha and the omega ”
God says .Jesus tells us just to pray using what we know as The Lord’s Prayer ,and where threw or more father in God’s name zrhen that is a church .
And it doesn’t say three or more people exclusively .I’m pretty sure I’m very confident that animals have love in their hearts for the natural world ,and the environment of their creator .
Ok God says alright you can eat the flesh of animals fowls that you lust after, but I don’t think he ever says lust is approved. .
No I believe he says anyone who harms any of His creation will receive his repayment .
It’s a legal book
And it separates the chaff from the wheat Them who have eyes to see .
“my kingdom is not of this World ”
Jesus lived in no palace ,wore no crown , carried no sceptre or orb ,wore no special garb and acted pious
He was a rebel ,who was forced to fear dir his life because of his speech ,which in the end they ,the law , tried and convicted him with sedition for .He was a convicted criminal A crime against the state .A traitor ,convicted of treason and sedition ,sentenced to death.
That’s reality .
His disciples had to run for their lives as wanted in effect terrorists a form of anarchists threatening the Empire of Rome .
It was not a bed time story for bubs .
Thank Bishop Mark Short for an important devotion that gives me encouragement for prayer meetings i am involved in over today and the nexr few days in this strategic time for the Church in Australia and beyond
Thank you Bishop Short for the wonderfu prayer you wrote that speaks to the heart shows very clearly our mission while we are here on this earth at such a time as this:
“God of hope, you call on us to be your witnesses in this uncertain world. By your Spirit, awaken in us a true vision of your kingdom, a greater certainty of our salvation, and a deeper dedication to your service; that through our words and actions the same Spirit may bring many who are lost to be found, and for them to celebrate the hope that we can only have in Jesus Christ. In whose name we pray. Amen.”
Charlie Kirk said I don’t deal in Hopium
Nor do I .You believe in Jesus or you don’t I don’t accept hope as a substitution for faith ,and I don’t hope for the possibility of the resurrection
It’s obvious to me that the outcome intended for the next century is the replacement of traditional theologies of all religions and their westernisarion into evangelicalism using commerce as the key to unlock the doors into familiarity with the political values espoused by Schwab in his manifesto of you shall own nothing and be happy.
Religious violence terrorism murders rapes crimes based on traditional old religious beliefs will be used as the catalyst for the younger generations to view the as abhorrent and repugnant and have them turn away and connect with the Peace process church they believe is some alternative .
And in the end times the whole world shall be deceived .