"The Lord will fight for you you need only to be still" Exodus 14:14
As I opened the doors to the church, I heard a deep sigh behind me, one that sounded as if it came from a weary soul. As not to be too obvious I entered the foyer, holding the door open with my arm extended somewhat backwards, waiting. Waiting for the one who sighed to enter in. Moments passed so finally, I turned, but no one was there. No one stood behind me, no one remained on the walkway. These momentary encounters were familiar to me, so I thanked my heavenly Father and continued in. Then I heard the sigh again, but more distinct. It was not the sigh of a weary soul, but one I recognized to be that of the wordless breath.
That place of prayer where words are inadequate, unable to express our needs, desires and sometimes praises unto God. Where the Holy Spirit, the gift from God, intercedes on our behalf, to encourage us within our weakness before the Father. For there are times we are spiritually limited in expressions of love and sorrow.
“The Lord—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.” (Psalm 94:11)
When you don’t know how or what to pray, the Spirit of God is there to help. When you run out of words, God understands your wordless sighs. When all you have to bring before God are your tears, he can read the meaning of each one. Moreover, as amazing as it sounds, the triune God is praying with you, through you, and even for you. Jesus enters the brokenness of our world and our lives, sharing even in our groaning.
But He does more than just feel for us, He takes our pain and deepest longings and interprets them to God. What does this tell us about prayer? That the Holy Spirit connects with your prayers when they come from your heart and not just your lips. There are times when you’re unable to articulate a single word in prayer, but that’s ok. For our Father in heaven tells us in His Word, that He knows exactly what we are thinking, feeling and speaking before we do.
“Lord, you have examined me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do. Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it.” Psalm 139:1-4
So, the next time when you feel that situations or life circumstances have taken your words away-DO NOT DESPAIR! Go before God. Sit in His presence and sigh. It’s not always about words, it’s about your heart. It’s about you, seeking Him. It’s about you verbally or in sighs bringing those four words that He loves to hear “God I need you.”
Cynthia