Autocorrected Prayers

Karen

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 ESV

I sat at a women’s conference table that was charmingly decorated with fresh flowers and laden with delicious food. The conversation flowed as five other women and I chatted about many topics. Most of the ladies were acquaintances, but I hadn’t met the woman sitting next to me. “My name is Mem,” she said as she introduced herself and we began visiting.

Mem was from another continent. Although her English was excellent, at times she couldn’t find the exact word to communicate what she was trying to say.

Several minutes into our conversation, my new friend tried to compliment me on something, but her words didn’t convey the proper sentiment. She took a deep breath and with frustration declared, “Oh, Karen. When you cannot understand my words, please hear my heart.”

This sweet woman’s request has stuck with me since that day, and it’s made me think of prayer. There are so many times when I just can’t find the right words to say to God.

Tucked in Romans 8:26 (ESV) is a heart-assuring promise: “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.” It’s like God autocorrects our prayers!

The autocorrect function on a phone or electronic device automatically makes corrections for mistakes in spelling or grammar while we’re typing. How comforting it is that the Holy Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. When we just can’t find the words to pray, God still hears our hearts.

Many times my own emotions have been too deep for words. Each time I trusted that the Holy Spirit would intercede for me, “autocorrecting” my longings and carrying them to the throne of God. I said to Him essentially, “Please hear my heart.”

Remember the truth of Romans 8:26, and allow the Spirit of God to intercede on your behalf. God knows you completely—your thoughts, desires, all the inner longings of your heart. Trust that He’ll answer your deepest prayers, even when you can’t find the right words.

Father, help me pray with boldness, even when I can’t find the words to say, trusting the Spirit to intercede for me and carry my requests to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How might knowing that the Holy Spirit intercedes for you change the way you personally look at prayer?