So often we think prayer is about words, about telling God our needs, asking Him for help, reviewing a list of prayer requests. Yet, prayer is also about silence. Today, let’s talk about two specific types of silent prayer and why these are so important to include in our prayer time.
Sometimes the words just won’t come. The pain is too deep, the grief overpowering, the hurt indescribable. Times our mind just can’t process what we’re going through and we are unable to find words.
These are the times we need to pray anyway. Especially in these times we need to pray. Even when our minds can’t form the words to say.
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.
(Romans 8:26 NIV)
When all we can manage are wordless groans, know that the Holy Spirit can intercede on your behalf. He knows your needs, even when you can’t yet articulate them yourself. Allow yourself to sit in that silence with God and simply ask the Holy Spirit to pray for you, to know your needs and know your heart.
We also need to give God space in our prayers to speak to us. If we’re doing all the talking, we don’t give Him a chance to reply.
Take a pause in your prayers to listen, to open your heart to hear His voice. Better yet, set aside specific listening time and spend that time in silence, listening for God.
Take 15 minutes and just still your mind and quiet your inner voice. Invite God to speak to your heart and then just listen in silence. Check out this post for more tips on listening for God in silent prayer.
“Now then, my children, listen to me; lesser are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”
(Proverbs 8:32-36 NIV)
Pray {Especially} When You Have No Words – Prayer & Possibilities
So often we think prayer is about words, about telling God our needs, asking Him for help, reviewing a list of prayer requests. Yet, prayer is also about silence. Today, let’s talk about two specific types of silent prayer and why these are so important to include in our prayer time.
Sometimes the words just won’t come. The pain is too deep, the grief overpowering, the hurt indescribable. Times our mind just can’t process what we’re going through and we are unable to find words.
These are the times we need to pray anyway. Especially in these times we need to pray. Even when our minds can’t form the words to say.
When all we can manage are wordless groans, know that the Holy Spirit can intercede on your behalf. He knows your needs, even when you can’t yet articulate them yourself. Allow yourself to sit in that silence with God and simply ask the Holy Spirit to pray for you, to know your needs and know your heart.
We also need to give God space in our prayers to speak to us. If we’re doing all the talking, we don’t give Him a chance to reply.
Take a pause in your prayers to listen, to open your heart to hear His voice. Better yet, set aside specific listening time and spend that time in silence, listening for God.
Take 15 minutes and just still your mind and quiet your inner voice. Invite God to speak to your heart and then just listen in silence. Check out this post for more tips on listening for God in silent prayer.