When You Don't Even Know How to Pray

“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.”

Romans 8:26

I know that moment of bowed knee and closed mouth, when the pain is so great that not even a word comes out. You want to pray, but you don't know where to start, you don't even know what to ask for, you can only cry or sit in silence staring at the ceiling. I don't count that as a failed prayer.

My Spirit steps right into that gap. When you don't know what to ask for, he intercedes for you with groanings too deep for words — he translates your silent pain into a language I understand perfectly. You don't need a polished speech to be heard by me.

So the next time all that comes out is a sigh, a tear, or silence, know that it has already reached me. An unfinished prayer offered with sincerity is worth more to my ears than a beautiful, empty speech. Keep coming just as you are, however you can, and I will complete the rest.