As You Are

Have you ever had one of those moments, or seasons, in life where it feels like there are no words to express to God what you’re experiencing or feeling? It feels too big, deep, painful, etc.

If so, same here. You’re not alone. I’ve found myself in and out of that space over the last few months as I’ve been processing a big loss and transition in my life. In those moments before God it feels like, “where do I even start?” or candidly, sometimes, I’m crying so hard that I truly can’t speak a word.

It’s in those moments that the Lord reminds me of the power of a simple prayer. In Matthew 6:7–8 it says:

“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him,” (NIV).

And in Romans 8:26–27 it says:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God,” (NIV).

I’ve learned three things from these Scriptures:

1. My prayers don’t have to be long and elaborate to be heard or effective.

2. God knows what I need before I ask.

3. The Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf, in accordance with God’s will.

I’ve found so much freedom in these truths. I don’t always have to know what to pray for God to hear me. Lately, my prayers have looked a lot like this:

“Lord, help.”

“Lord, I need You.”

“Lord, I need Your peace.”

Sometimes, I can’t even get words out. Sometimes, all I have are tears. A woman at church once prayed for me while I was crying and she said, “Lord, let her tears serve as the prayer of her heart crying out to You.” That line has always stuck with me. Our tears can serve as the cry of our hearts.

I also trust that in those moments, when words fail and tears flow, the Holy Spirit is interceding on my behalf.

And can I just say, as I’ve leaned into simple prayers, He’s been so faithful to help, to make His presence feel close, to comfort me, to bring me peace, and so much more. I’m learning that I don’t have to have all the words, or know exactly what to pray for, because just like Matthew 6:8 says, “your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

He already knows what I need. He already knows what you need. Friend, be encouraged by that—He already knows what you need. Just call out to Him. It doesn’t have to be big or long or fancy. Just two words can change it all, “Lord, help.” Or even better, just one word: “Jesus.” The name above all names. He can move mountains for you.