When Words Fall Short {day eleven}
>> Saturday, February 11, 2012 –
29 Days of Quiet,
grief,
Holy Spirit,
Prayer
I’ve had a hard time praying lately. When someone you love is dying, I think it’s difficult sometimes to figure out what to pray for. It feels wrong to pray for a swift death, although that’s what Jon wants right now. Yet it also feels selfish and a little bit like a cop-out to pray for anything else, like peace or comfort. So I’m left not praying at all, which leaves me feeling restless and agitated…and a little bit guilty.
Last week I stumbled across these words from Romans 8:26:
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 with groans that words cannot express.
I am comforted by the knowledge that the Holy Spirit prays on my behalf when I cannot. We groan together in this time when words fall short.
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 with groans that words cannot express.
I am comforted by the knowledge that the Holy Spirit prays on my behalf when I cannot. We groan together in this time when words fall short.
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Oh, what a comfort that verse is in the dark, quiet times. Ethan learned it two weeks ago for Awana and we're still discussing it's meaning. Praying for you as you go through these days, Michelle.
It's so interesting that I should come across this verse again. Last Sunday our pastor made mention of this verse before we prayed. It definitely gives me encouragement when my mind is racing so that I can not possible know what to say, but my God knows what I need to say. Thank you :)
friskpartyoffive.blogspot.com
I love this verse. When I can't pray, don't know what to say or just know that I need to pray and it's not happening, I reflect on this verse. I sit quietly and remember that HE knows and intercedes.
Still praying for you my friend.
My heart goes out to you in this difficult time. You know many of us are praying for you. I too have taken lots of comfort in this verse. I have actually prayed - You know Spirit, I just can't do this now - please pray for me. I just don't know how to pray right now.
Oh, I know this one by heart. It's so hard.
Praying with you, Michelle, from way over here.
Sitting with him without words -- takes the pressure off, you know? You don't have to be racking your brain trying to figure out what you're supposed to pray. And that in itself can be great comfort. Those are the time he can speak for me and speak to me. I'm so glad he brought you that verse, kind of an "it's okay, I've got your back" kind of thing.
Praying, still.
I couldn't pray either, Michelle. I would light a candle and say, "OK, God. You pray."
It is so hard when you are doing a death watch with a loved one. When my husbands mother was dying of pancreatic cancer the days ran into each other as he sat by her side and attended to her needs. It was really rough for the 'kids' now grown to see mom so weak and frail. I think God knows our hearts and understands if we say "please take them home". It is not wrong to pray that way especially when you know there is no return to the life we knew them to have with us. Take care
Standing in the prayer gap for you today, Michelle. A privilege...
Thank you, Renee -- I'm so glad I found that particular verse during this time.
He always knows, doesn't He - even when we can't find the words.
Thank you, Mary. Your kindness and prayers help so much.
It does help so much knowing that you are others are praying for us. This community is such an incredible blessing to me. Thanks, Jeanie.
Thank you dearest Sheila.
Yeah, exactly. He brought me that verse - kind of let me off the hook. Thanks, Lyla.
Yup, been lighting a lot of candles, too.
Thank you so much for your compassion and understanding, Sharon.
Donna, thank you so much, truly.
That's a powerful verse. Saying a prayer for you this evening. We have a family member that has days / weeks left and each time the phone rings I wonder if it's "the call" ... it's heartbreaking to feel helpless. (I bet God is going to use this quiet season to draw you closer to Him ... and good things will come from that)
what love he has for us, that he interprets what we can't put to words. praying for you right now, my friend....
Michelle, What your mouth can't say, the photos you have been sharing with us this week have been a window into your heart. No words needed. God hears you.
I get this. Deeply. And I've also employed the Megan Willome technique referenced elsewhere in the comment box. Praying for all of you. Love you.
yes, yes...what a comforting verse. god is so great...
I have had to lean on His prayers often. It is a great comfort. It is also a comfort to know that others are praying when you cannot. I'll be praying Michelle.
oh, yes. this is indeed a great comfort.