Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. ²⁷ And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

²⁸ We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:25-28)

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you from God our heavenly Father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.

In our present circumstances, many people could describe their prayer life in one of two ways. On one hand, we have person A, who is exhausted and worries about having enough time or energy to properly pray for all the troubles in the world. They feel like their list of prayer concerns continues to grow exponentially. On the other hand, we have person B, who feels paralyzed by the overwhelming uncertainty of it all. They wonder where and/or how to even start to pray. There are probably even more of us who feel like we are riding a roller coaster between those two descriptions.

Paul’s reminder to the Romans speaks to all of us. God promises to hear our prayers. He listens to our inmost fears. God hears our unspoken (even unspeakable) prayers. He knows the inmost yearnings of our hearts. Even when we cannot find the words, God is listening. God promises to hear our prayers even when we do not have the strength to verbalize them. That promise gives us the power to pray.

We do not need the ‘right’ words or form or posture. God is listening. God hears our prayers no matter how chaotic they feel to us. The Holy Spirit does intercede for us. We can have confidence to approach God in all circumstances. Even when we feel overwhelmed or paralyzed, God is listening.

The grace and peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Carla