"... the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:26 (NKJV)

We were sitting around the family table when my mom announced, "Suzie, you didn't talk until you were four."

Um, what?

This was news to me. "So are you saying that I was quiet?"

"Nope, you didn't talk at all. Not a word. In fact, if it hadn't been for Vicci, we'd never have known what you needed."

My sister is four years older than I am. Evidently she became a student of her little sister who had no words. When I wanted a drink, she told Mom. When I was tired or hungry, she made certain to communicate my needs.

I eventually found my words, but may I be honest with you? There have been other times when I've lost my ability to know what to say, especially to God.

As a teenager, I didn't know if things would ever change at home. I didn't know how to ask God for help.

As a young mom, I held my precious baby in my arms who was born with a serious birth defect. I didn't know what she needed or what impact this might have, or what to do with my feelings of fear.

When my husband was unhappy with his job and it changed his laid-back and fun personality to quiet sadness, I desperately wanted to help but I didn't know where to begin or what to say.

For all of us, there are moments when words simply do not describe how we feel, what we need or what we so desperately desire from God.

Romans 8:26 reminds us there is someone who has studied us. The Holy Spirit knows us well. He is aware of our strengths, but He's also keenly tuned in to our weaknesses. When we are unable to express in words what we hope for so desperately, the Spirit Himself steps in and clearly places our deepest needs before the Father.

I don't know about you, but that removes pressure that would otherwise weigh this girl down.

We don't have to have the right words. We don't have to know the exact details of what is needed in a situation. We don't have to try to explain how it makes us feel.

He already knows.

Today, if you have no words, be encouraged. When you step into that place of prayer, the Holy Spirit sees your heart. He understands what you want to say, even when it's still a mystery to you. The moment you place your trust in God, your deepest needs are already being shared.

Perfectly. Succinctly. With all the right words.

Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I might have no words, or struggle to tell You what I need, but You already know. I'm so grateful the Holy Spirit knows my heart, and intercedes for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

***

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Ephesians 3:16, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being." (NIV)

Micah 7:7, "But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:

If you are in a hard place, Suzie Eller's book, The Mended Heart: God's Healing for Your Broken Places offers hope and help.

Join Suzie on her blog where she shares 10 Scriptures To Pray When There Are No Words.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:

We often stay away from prayer because we feel that our words are not adequate. Yet it's exactly where we find what we need.

Today, walk into that sacred place of prayer. Simply sit in God's presence. Take the pressure off as you thank Him that He already knows what you need.

© 2015 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.