September 12, 2021: Pray With Confidence

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26, NKJV).

My prayer time often goes like this: I close my eyes and try to talk to the Father, but the words that come out feel forced and meaningless. I try to apologize for all of the sins I have committed, but it never feels genuine. I try to tell God about my problems and express all of my emotions, but there are some things that just cannot be said. I find myself distracted by other things of life, and I often give up. I just stop talking. If the words I say don’t mean anything, why say them? I feel so confused, weak and separated from God.

When this happens, I find comfort in Romans 8:26. The Holy Spirit understands that some things are just too deep and meaningful to say out loud. When I don’t know what to say, the Holy Spirit intercedes for me. The Spirit knows exactly what I am trying to say. By this, I am able to connect with the Lord. The Spirit helps me pray.

So now when I pray, I pray with confidence that God will know what I am trying to say, and He will listen to me. This verse helps me feel less alone in my walk with God. It provides comfort when I feel separated from Him, and for that, I am thankful.

God, when I don’t know what to say in my prayers, say it for me. I trust in You. Amen.

Beka Shull is a freshman at Spring Valley Academy in Ohio.