Day 3

Romans 8:26-27:
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.

Our 6 year old son often wakes up in the morning continuing the conversation we ended the previous evening; literally mid-sentence.  Or, he wakes up with several questions already formed, ready for the first person he lays eyes on.  He doesn’t always wait for a response before moving on to his next idea or question!  Our son rarely lacks for words, and he can literally talk for hours on end.

These past few weeks have left me searching for words.  When asked, “How are you?” I hesitate before answering because I can’t easily answer this question these days.  I find my thoughts racing all over the place, and when I try to formulate words to articulate my feelings I am at a loss.  Recently, my prayers to God have often been very short and filled with phrases that don’t seem adequate or to match exactly how I’m feeling.  The murder of George Floyd, and the subsequent actions by people across our city, state, country, and globe have unearthed a lot of pain, anguish, anger, debate, etc. 

How do I cry out to the Lord in the midst of such difficult times?
I don’t even know what to say, or how to say it.  How can I even pray in times like these where I lack the words?

Praise God because He is so intimately and closely connected with His creation.  The Holy Spirit helps us to pray in moments where our human weakness limits our ability to formulate words.  When we are weak, He is strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Romans 8:26-27 tells us that the Holy Spirit is interceding for us, as believers, in accordance with God’s will!  This brings me much comfort as I sometimes feel incapable of praying the “right words.”  This season in particular often leaves me at a loss for words. God knows our heart, and He knows our needs even before we utter them.  (Matthew 6:8)  What is important is that we are turning to God in our sorrow, our pain, our lament, our confusion, our anger, etc.  Even when we are so distressed that we can’t speak, our hearts should still be turned toward God.  He is the only one who can provide true peace, hope, and comfort in such uncertain times. 

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for the Holy Spirit you sent who intercedes for us.  Thank you for knowing our heart and hearing our every prayer.  Help us to turn to you for comfort and direction even when we don’t know what to say.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Emily Aidoo