In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 HCSB
We know the Bible clearly tells us our tongues are a problem. What we say can get us into trouble. But what about the times we just don’t know what to say? Most of us have probably heard a parent or grandparent tell us if we don’t have anything good to say then don’t say anything at all. In the world there is evil all around us and there are times I can only shake my head. Words escape me. There are even times I’m not sure what to pray.
In the book of Job, Job’s friends came to comfort him. They sat in silence for 7 days not knowing what to say. What do you say to a man who has lost his children, all of his livestock, most of his servants, his social standing and has been inflicted with painful sores all over his body? When his friends began to speak, we can quickly see they did much better to just provide quiet comfort for him. James 1:19 tells us to be quick to hear but slow to speak and slow to anger for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
If someone is in a time of distress and you don’t know what to say or what to pray, it’s okay to simply sit with them and give them comfort. It’s okay to sit in silence and let them know you are there for them. Let them know that you have no words to pray but God is there, and the Holy Spirit will intercede. These verses precede one of my favorite verses which is Romans 8:28. Romans 8:28 tells us all things work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. When we put all of these verses together in proper context, we can see that what is important is being in God’s will. If we are in God’s will, even if we don’t know what to pray; His Holy Spirit will intervene and intercede for us. If we are in God’s will, it will all work out for our good in God’s timing.
God knows our hearts as does the Spirit. The Spirit will intercede for us according to God’s will. If words escape you, you can trust in God’s Holy Spirit to intervene for you. You can tell Him you don’t know what to pray, but you pray for God’s will to be done. As long as we are in the will of God, we will be okay. We serve a loving God who knows what’s in our hearts.
John 6:37 tells us that if we come to Jesus, He will not turn us away. I urge you to come to him and trust in Him.
Have a great day!