September 10 – When You Don’t Know What to Pray
Scripture
Scripture
“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.”
Romans 8:26 (ESV)
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (KJV)
Encouragement
There are moments when prayer feels easy and the words come freely.
And then there are times when we simply do not know what to say.
We may be overwhelmed by grief, confused by circumstances, exhausted from carrying a burden, or uncertain about what God’s will is in a situation. We may sit before Him with a heart full of emotion and no words to express it.
Romans 8:26 gives us a beautiful assurance: the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.
God does not require us to form the perfect prayer before He listens. He already knows what is in our hearts, and His Spirit intercedes for us according to His will.
That means even our silence can become part of prayer.
Sometimes all we can say is, “Lord, help.”
Sometimes we can only whisper a name.
Sometimes tears are all we have.
And sometimes we simply sit before God, trusting Him to understand what we cannot explain.
When you do not know what to pray, you do not have to stay away from God.
Come anyway.
The Holy Spirit is helping you even there.
Prayer
Dear merciful heavenly Father,
Thank You that I do not have to have the right words before I come to You. When I am weak, overwhelmed, or unsure what to pray, help me remember that Your Spirit intercedes for me. Teach me to rest in Your perfect knowledge of my heart and Your perfect will for my life. Even when I cannot find the words, help me keep coming to You. In Jesus’ wonderful name, amen
Thought for Today
When I do not know what to pray, the Holy Spirit helps me in my weakness.
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