In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Roman 8:28
I want to wrap my heart around the fact that it is ok not to know what to pray when our hearts are confused, heavy, or aching. I look to the story of Hannah to help me understand that the cries our hearts are heard by the Lord, even when those cries are unintelligible to us and those around us.
Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, but so was Peninnah. Hannah could not bear children which was a fate worse than death at this place and time in history. Peninnah could not only bear children, but she loved to ridicule and poke fun at Hannah. Hannah’s pain as you can imagine was beyond unbearable. One day she sat at the Tabernacle and prayed. She poured out her heart to God. She was praying with such anguish that the priest, Eli, who was sitting at the entrance to the Tabernacle approached her and asked if she had been drinking. When Hannah explained that she had only been pouring out her heart to the Lord, Eli blessed her and sent her on her way. And, she was no longer sad!
Hannah’s grief was go great that she cried and wailed at the house of the Lord. God heard her cry! And she bore a son, Samuel, who was mightily used by God.
God hears our cries too! And we are so blessed that we have the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit knows us so intricately that he can take our heart’s cries and present them on our behalf before the Lord.
Surely you’ve had that “shower cry”. You know, the one where you stand under the steaming hot water as it washes over you and you just have a good ‘ole cry.(Men, it’s ok to admit you have feelings. Jesus wept too!) You’re at a loss for words, your emotions too messy to be sorted out at that moment, and your heart just aches to find resolve. But words? Nope, don’t have ‘em. Clarity of thought? No, it’s not there either. But you can stake your life on it that The Spirit has interceded to your Heavenly Father on your behalf!
What is on your heart today? Are you ready to get real before God and share the deepest parts of your heart with him? Well then, head to the shower and just let it all out! No words necessary, just let the praises, petitions, and pain bubble up. If your heart is willing, the Spirit will speak on your behalf.
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