Have you ever had trouble praying? Have you ever been so overwhelmed by a situation that you can’t find the right words to say? Or have you ever been so distressed that your emotions can’t be explained?
In those times, you want to pray but words just seem futile.
I know the feeling.
There are times when I go to God and I don’t even know where to begin. I don’t know what to say or how to say it.
One of my favorite encouragements in prayer comes from Paul in his letter to the Romans as he comforts believers during their current sufferings. Paul reminds us that we are not alone when we pray; we have the greatest helper.
“Likewise 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. And 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” (Romans 8:26-27)
What a comfort it is to know that our prayers are not dependent on us knowing all the right words or proper expressions. Instead of our weakness being a hindrance to our prayers, our weakness is where the Holy Spirit meets us and intercedes for us.
Because the Spirit knows us and knows our hearts, He intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. He understands our heartaches. He understands our troubles. He knows our pains and sufferings, and He knows how to bring them before the Father.
So don’t worry if you don’t know what to say… the Spirit knows how to say it for you.
Pour your heart out before the Lord… with or without words.
May God richly bless you in His Son,
Dr. Aaron George Glover