When you don’t know how you ought to pray
“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 through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (Rom. 8:26-27 NIV)
The Spirit Himself intercedes for us
Sometimes we are confused, in pain, or emotionally distraught. Sometimes it’s because we don’t know all the facts surrounding a particular situation. But, this passage of scripture acknowledges that problem with a great promise: “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us… And, He, who searches our hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
In other words, God searches our hearts and repairs our prayers
God understands the situation perfectly, and knows what we SHOULD be praying for. He then turns whatever prayer we are attempting to pray into the perfect prayer that we SHOULD be praying! HE KNOWS all the facts of the situation and fixes our prayers for us “in accordance to the will of God.” Wow, what a promise. God turns our ordinary prayers into perfect ones! This takes a lot of pressure off!
By the way, a poem I have enjoyed reading over the years is about the proper way to pray. It is funny and makes a valid point. Enjoy!
The Prayer of Cyrus Brown
By Sam Walter Foss (Public Domain)
“The proper way for a man to pray,”
Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,
“And the only proper attitude Is down upon his knees.”
“No, I should say the way to pray,”
Said Reverend Doctor Wise,
“Is standing straight with outstretched arms,
And rapt and upturned eyes.”
“Oh, no, no, no,” said Elder Slow,
“Such posture is too proud.
A man should pray with eyes fast-closed,
And head contritely bowed.”
“It seems to me his hand should be
Austerely clasped in front,
With both thumbs pointing toward the ground,
”Said Reverend Doctor Blunt.
“Well, I pray while resting every day,”
Said Mr. Henry Pack.
“So I should think you say your prayers
While lying on your back.”
“Last year I fell in Murphy’s well — Headfirst,”
said Cyrus Brown.
“With both my knees a’stickin’ up,
And my head a’pointin’ down.”
“And I made a prayer right then and there,
The best prayer I ever said,
The prayingest prayer I ever prayed,
A’standing on my head.”
Therefore…
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4.6 ESV)
“What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.” (1 Cor. 14:15 ESV)
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16 ESV)
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” (Eph. 6:18 ESV)