Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
- Romans 8:26
My son Isaac, 10 months old, has turned into quite the little chatterbox over the last few weeks. When he’s happy, he squeals. When he’s upset or impatient, he whines. When he’s hurt, he cries.
And lately, he’s started adding new sounds to his arsenal: babbling. With a little encouragement from his big brother, he’ll gladly say “Bubbubbubba!” On more than one occasion I’ve coaxed a “Dada” out of him. To the chagrin of the ladies in the house, no “mama” or “sissy” yet, but give him time.
What he can’t do yet is say, “I’m hungry.” Or “I’d like to go to bed now.” Or “Bubba and Sissy, you’re the coolest.” Can he communicate? Certainly. But he doesn’t yet have the words.
In prayer, there are times when we are no better than babies, unable to put words to our needs. Some pain is too profound—and some joy too transcendent—for language to suffice. But in those times, Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, going to the Father on our behalf with groaning deeper than any prayer we could produce.
What
a blessing to know that, when we are too weak even to pray, God does not leave
us shorthanded. You may not have the words—but you have a Helper. Praise God
for his provision in all things!
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