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Religious Adjustments

“The Spirit Himself intercedes for us…” Romans 8:26

There have been those times when in grief or amidst difficult situations when I have simply sighed and groaned to our God with no audible words. It happened to me as I approached my grandfather’s casket with the intent of praying something special. In that moment, I simply knelt and nothing audible poured out. It has happened on other occasions as well when I could only sigh with tears. Has this ever happened to you?

Paul, in his letter to the Romans mentions this aspect of prayer with the following, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” (Romans 8:26-27)

What is prayer anyway? Way too often we believe we need the proper word order or humble stance. As Christ-followers, the Spirit of God who dwells within us knows the deep intent of our soul. During those moments when we are at a loss for words, God still hears through our confusion and brokenness because of the Holy Spirit who pleads on our behalf.

Prayer Focus: Lord, how shall I pray? Are tears prayers? How about screams, groans or sighs? Can trembling hands lifted to You count as prayers? Jesus please accept my brokenness and the prayers that are rooted in the muck of my life that is imperfect.

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