Because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. (Rom. 8:27)
THE SCENE HAD ME DRIVING HOME after a tough day at work, and I was compelled to pray. But no words were hitting my lips. Praying is something I have done daily in my private walk with God, and very often in public ministry life. Yet on this occasion, I could not find words to pray. All that came from my vocal chords were moans and groans. It frightened me a little since it was the first time this had happened to me. Yet that wordless prayer gave me a fresh perspective on prayer by those who cannot express themselves physiologically, and also on the promise of the Word of the Lord about who represents me and my requests to God.
The Holy Spirit takes our wordless prayers and intercedes for us, fully aware and knowledgeable of God’s will for all situations and for our lives. Think about it, our prayers are not judged regarding how polished or theologically correct they are as they come off our lips. Our prayers make it to God’s heavenly throne whether we can get the words out or not. When life is overwhelming, the Spirit of God puts words to our prayers. Even when we may not pray intelligibly or know what to say, the Spirit is faithfully praying in accordance with the will of God.
Pray about something that that affects you deeply, and trust God to hear your heart.
Jim Dunn is vice-president of church relations for Wesleyan Investment Foundation, and is a former pastor and church leader.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
