Praying Whwn We Don't Know How To Pray

PRAYING WHEN WE DON’T KNOW HOW TO PRAY

There are so many complicated issues around the world that affect millions from disease to natural disasters, to political oppression.  Whatever the current crisis is in the news, there are so many more forgotten people who were in the news last week, last month, or last year and who are still suffering today.

In times of complex and overwhelming need I find myself drawn to these comforting words in Romans 8:

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.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:26-28

Heavenly Father, in times such as these we certainly need the Holy Spirit's help in order to join You in seeking what is right and best for us, our own country, and all the nations of the world.

There seem to be so many destabilizing voices and forces around us and we pray to stand steady and strong with You in the middle of it all and give effective witness to Your good will and plan even in these times.

Come and meet us in the place where we long for what is right and good and help us seek Your will in how we think and respond to people and events today. 

Give us courage and persistence to pray and keep on praying especially when things do not seem to change right away.  You are in control and Your purposes will prevail.

You are willing and able in these turbulent times to work in such a way that good will come out of even the worst of what humans do. 

Grant us wisdom to live as Your sons and daughters, as those who care and those who get involved in the hurting angry world that is ours today in a way that demonstrates Your heart and Your power.  Amen