August 11, 2022
When You Don’t Know What to Say
Suzanne Eller
Today’s Truth
The Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26 NKJV).
Friend to Friend
We were sitting around the family table when my mom announced, “Suzie, you didn’t talk until you were four.”
Um, what?
This was news to me. “So, are you saying that I was quiet?”
“Nope, you didn’t talk at all. Not a word. In fact, if it hadn’t been for your sister, we would have never known what you needed.”
My sister is four years older than me. Evidently, she became a student of her little sister who had no words. When I wanted a drink, she told mom. When I was tired or hungry, she made certain that this was communicated.
I eventually found my words, but may I be honest with you?
There have been other times when I’ve lost my words. As a teenager, I didn’t know if things would ever change at home. I didn’t know how to ask God for help. As a young mom, I held my precious baby in my arms who was born with a serious birth defect. I didn’t know what to do with my feelings of fear. When my husband was unhappy with his job and it changed his laid-back and fun personality to quiet sadness, I prayed but wasn’t sure what to ask God for. For many of us, there are moments where words simply do not adequately describe how we feel, what we need, or what we desperately desire from God.
Romans 8:26 reminds us that there is someone who does know.
“The Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26 NKJV).
My older sister knew me and advocated for me when I didn’t have words, but this is so much more than that. The Holy Spirit knows us, every part of who we are, every struggle of our heart, and every hope of our dreams.
He also knows the heart of God over us. When we are unable to express in words what we want to say, the Spirit Himself steps in and clearly places our deepest needs before the Father.
I don’t know about you, but that truth brings me such joy. It also removes the pressure from my prayer life. You and I don’t have to have the right words. We don’t have to know exactly what is needed in a situation. We don’t even have to try to explain how it makes us feel.
He already knows.
Today, if you have no words, be encouraged, sweet friend. As you step into that place of prayer, the Holy Spirit sees your heart. He understands what you want to say. Your deepest needs are already being shared. Perfectly. Succinctly.
With all the right words.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I may not have the words. I may struggle to tell You what I need, but I’m so thankful that You already know. The Holy Spirit knows my heart and intercedes for me. I trust in that today, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Have you ever allowed a lack of words to keep you from connecting with God?
Today, walk into that sacred place of prayer. Simply sit in His presence. Take the pressure off. He already knows what you need.
More from the Girlfriends
Does the Holy Spirit feel like a mystery? Suzie’s book, The Spirit-Led Heart: Living a Life of Love and Faith Without Borders gently removes the mystery to reveal the daily joy of walking your faith with the one Jesus called our Helper.
Another powerful resource when you have no words is Suzie’s new podcast, Prayer Starters. Spend 2-3 minutes 5 days a week and connect with a Heavenly Father who loves you more than you can imagine. You can find Prayer Starters on your favorite podcast platform or live stream it at KLRC.
© 2022 by Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.