Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:26-28
Sometimes the world gives us more to pray about than we can articulate.
Our prayer lists are already lengthy. Our hearts are already heavy.
And here is the grace of God.
We don’t have to articulate prayers in order to pray. Often, sitting within the presence of the Spirit is the prayer.
Letting go into the Spirit’s intercession is particularly comforting during times of grief.
When we have lost a loved one, words fail us. When we accompany someone on their journey of grief, words fail us.
But the Spirit, who knows the true heart, knows exactly what is needed for us and for those we love.
When my mother died suddenly, it was the prayers of others relying on the Spirit that sustained me. I could feel the support within my heart, and I knew that I was not alone.
Grief has a mind of its own and moves in and out of our hearts like a river weaving around rocks and hills.
When we open to the Spirit’s prayer in us we enter a different river—the river of assurance and Presence.
Our prayers will not stop the flow of grief. Our prayers will acknowledge the love and hope of God.
For surely the God who gave His own Son will not leave us to face the darkness alone. We have the continual assurance of God’s light illuminating even the saddest corners of our hearts.
Blessings,
Debra
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