Vital Signs: Thursday, February 27, 2025

When Words Fail, the Spirit Speaks

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One of the greatest things holding us back from prayer is not knowing where to start. Isn't that always the hardest part—just starting? What’s holding you back?

Are you worried you’ll mess up a prayer so badly that it will turn God off forever? Are you nervous that your words won’t line up with what God wants for you? Are you waiting for a clear, even audible, nudge in the right direction?

This is completely natural! If you feel overwhelmed by the idea that you need to have complete clarity on what to pray before you start, rest in this promise from Romans 8. God has made a way—so don’t let the pressure of finding the right words hold you back. The Holy Spirit lives in us. He knows the will of God, and He intercedes for us when we are unsure ourselves. We can find peace in the silence as we invite the Holy Spirit to pray on our behalf.

Eugene Peterson, in his paraphrase of Romans 8:26, uses “in our wait” instead of “in our weakness.” Is that you? Are words hard to come by—not because you don’t know what to say, but because you’ve prayed the same prayer so many times? Persevere. And maybe, on some days, perseverance means sitting in silence and letting the Spirit intercede for you.

Today—Sit in the presence of the Almighty, ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you, and trust that He will.