Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

²⁶ 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. ²⁷ 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.

Reflection:

Our weaknesses can refer to a number of things, but is usually associated with not knowing what to pray for and uncertainty about God’s will for our lives.  From this passage, we are strengthened with the truth that the Spirit himself intercedes for us according to God’s will for us.  Being children of God, we too can pray these groans of the Spirit.  Thankfully, it’s not a technique or formula, but about joining in these “wordless groans” of His Spirit that lives in us.  As we groan with the Spirit, it is not trying to manipulate the situation, crying out for an outcome that we want or desire, but about resting in God’s will for us that is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Response:

Let’s thank God for the work of His Spirit in and through us and in His church.  Let’s pray for an increase of the Holy Spirit’s activity in our hearts and lives and of the people in our missional groups and campuses.  Pray that the Lord would fill us with His groans for our lives and that there would be an increase of faith and trust in Him and desire for His will to be done.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake had raised $1.4 million this year, the Baltimore Sun reported Tuesday, more than all her opponents combined and enough, according to her campaign, to fund an aggressive television campaign in the Baltimore mayoral race’s final weeks. But Donald Norris, chair of public policy, argues that now is not the time for her to relax if she wants to win re-election. “No matter what the poll numbers, no candidate, whether incumbent or challenger, can take their campaign for granted,” Norris said. “She’s got to raise money, and she’s got to campaign.” Norris also notes, however, that Rawlings-Blake’s challengers will likely be less effective due to their sheer numbers, as the multiple competing candidates will carve up anti-incumbent contributions and votes.

Norris frequently offers media insight on state and local politics and was also quoted in the recent Washington Post story, “For Maryland Lawmakers, High Stakes as Annual Lobbying Ritual Begins at Ocean City.”

Omar Bukhari ’13, biochemistry and EHS, will soon begin his junior year at UMBC, but for the last several weeks he’s been hard at work for another cause. Bukhari just finished a 4,000 mile bike ride from Baltimore to San Francisco through 4K for Cancer, fundraising and meeting cancer patients and their families across the country. Working as a volunteer EMT in Baltimore and hearing patients’ stories about cancer, as well as researching anti-cancer compounds as an intern, motivated Bukhari to become involved with 4K for Cancer. He documented his journey at omar4k.tumblr.com and since returning home has been featured in the Gazette. There, he discussed an inspiring conversation with one young cancer patient, Jenny, whom he met during his trip.