When You Don’t Know What to Say
Romans 8:26-27
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27). “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34).
These passages from Romans 8 teach that both the Holy Spirit and Jesus intercede for us before the Father.
The Holy Spirit is interceding for you. You don’t have to have your prayer well-worded; the Lord hears your heart. He knows your motives. He will provide what you need even when you don’t know how to express it.
Jesus is interceding for you. The writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He (Jesus) always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).Think about that – You are on Jesus’ prayer list! The Lord Jesus knows you by name and He calls you by name.
You can intercede for others. No matter if you’re in a sick bed, in prison, a mother at home with little children, or a truck driver in an 18-wheeler, there’s one ministry everyone can have. You can’t have a better ministry than praying for people.
1. Pray the Scripture—what’s written in God’s Word.
2. Find in Scripture examples of prayers prayed for others and use them.
3. Focus on God’s unfailing purpose (Ephesians 3:11).
Discussion Guide
When have you been at a loss for words while praying? How does it feel to know you can approach God even when you feel that way?
What are some prayers you need to entrust to God? How have you tried to handle things on your own? When have you gone to God with your grief? What are the griefs you keep from Him?
When have you been completely open with God, showing Him completely how you feel? What are some things that keep you from doing that regularly? How does it encourage you to know Jesus is interceding for you before the Father? How does knowing you are on His prayer list free you in your own prayers? How may we pray for you?