29 Jul, 2011

Interceding

As reviews arrive, Saturday is applauded - July, 25, 2011

Few people come out of months of NFL labor discord looking better than the Colts' Jeff Saturday.

The center heading toward his 13th season drew praise from New England owner Robert Kraft as one of two players on the NFLPA’s executive committee, along with Baltimore’s Domonique Foxworth, who worked tirelessly for the long-term interest of the game.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft owner, left, is hugged Monday by Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts after the lockout ended.When Saturday's turn to talk came at the news conference announcing the players had agreed to the new CBA and the deal was officially done, he complimented Kraft’s dedication and thanked Myra Kraft, who recently passed away, for encouraging her husband to be such an important part of the process.

Saturday then embraced Kraft, who was clearly touched. It's a moment that is sure to come to be the picture representing the new peace between the owners and players.

Via text, I asked NFLPA president Kevin Mawae about how crucial Saturday was to the process.

“Both he and Domonique Foxworth were instrumental in that they were the two who were in every meeting since June 28 in Chicago,” Mawae said. “There were times when I couldn’t be there or any other member of the executive committee couldn’t and they were the two who were. I can’t say enough about how they played a major part in all of it.”

Saturday spoke of how happy he will be to trade a negotiating board room for a football meeting room.

Later in a phone interview on ESPN, he was asked about Peyton Manning’s rehabilitation from neck surgery.

“That’s by far my biggest concern now,” Saturday said. “As he goes, the Colts go. We need him to get back as healthy as he can as quick as he can.”

Even with the lockout, it's possible the Colts' top two draft picks win starting jobs on the offensive line during training camp. It's possible Saturday could be surrounded by four new starters as he looks to direct a group charged with offering Manning better protection and creating more space for the run game.

Story and Photo courtesy of news.google.com.

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV)

26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the Holy Spirit interceding for us?

Intercede is a word we don't hear very often. The student dictionary at wordcentral.com defines intercede "to act as a go-between for hostile parties, or to plead in behalf of another."  Jeff Saturday represented the NFL players in the negotiations during the lockout.  Imagine how much more the Holy Spirit represents us to the Father when we pray. 

Check out the Life Applications Study Notes on today's scripture ...
As a believer, you are not left to your own resources to cope with problems. Even when you don't know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays with and for you, and God answers. With God helping you pray, you don't need to be afraid to come before him. Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you 'in harmony with God's own will.' Then, when you bring your requests to God, trust that he will always do what is best.

How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to My Life?

  • Thank God for His Holy Spirit's involvement in your prayers today.
  • Is there a concern on your heart for which you honestly don't know how to pray?  Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
Do you have a friend who is struggling in their prayer life?  Remind them of the Holy Spirit's role in our prayers and offer to pray with them, asking the Holy Spirit to intercede.
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