Day 18
Take a moment to pause, be still, and prepare your heart and mind to receive God’s word.
Today’s Scripture:
26 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. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[a] in harmony with God’s own will.
Romans 8:26-27 NLT
Have you ever felt at a loss for words? There have been several situations where I have sat with a friend who is hurting or going through something unimaginable, and I had no idea how to pray for them. What should I say? What is God’s will in this situation? I felt like everything I said was empty and meaningless. My prayers indeed felt like “groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”
But these verses remind us that not only does the Holy Spirit convict us of sin and righteousness, guide us in truth, but he even helps us pray. How amazing is that? I imagine in those moments when we’re holding tight to someone’s hand, crying, our throats tight and unable to speak, the Spirit gently whispers, “It’s okay. I’ve got it from here.”
Reflect
What is your first response when you or a loved one experiences trouble?
Pray
Pray over those experiencing suffering today. Offer up your groanings to the Holy Spirit and ask him to intercede for you.
Family Moment
Have you ever had a moment where you didn’t know what to pray for? What did you do?