In his role as one called by Christ to proclaim the gospel, Paul articulated that Good News with unique power and persuasiveness. His preaching ability stirred the hearts of the struggling new churches throughout the Roman territories, just as his skill with the written word continues to inspire new generations of seekers across the globe. For all generations of the Christian church, Paul the apostle has stood out as the "Great Communicator."

This week's text reveals the source and strength of Paul's communication skills and communicative powers even while his words aptly demonstrate that gift. In verse 26, Paul begins by confessing the congenital "weaknesses" of all humanity our inability to pray or to communicate directly with God because of the gulf that has separated creation from the…