Thursday Thoughts: How to Pray When You Lack Direction

 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 with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. (Romans 8:26-27)
Sometimes, when presented with the request to pray for someone’s dire situation, I honestly do not know what to pray specifically. Many times, the situations are heartbreaking and my human mind simply cannot comprehend the implications of the situation. Do I pray for someone to be healed on earth even if it means suffering? How do I pray for a family at the end of the rope financially? Is a new job the answer or will someone be prompted be the Spirit to give of their finances? I know that our Sovereign God is reigning and and the object of Glory in all circumstances. And sometimes all I can do is stand on that truth. I am thankful that “His ways are higher than our ways.” And so I pray for the Holy Spirit’s intervention. It’s a simple but humble act of trusting in the providence of God.
What circumstances in your own life or in others’ are leaving you lacking direction in prayer?
Perhaps a prayer such as this is all that is necessary: Sovereign God, you are the beginning and end. You are in all things. I am without words to pray specifically for the needs of__________.
We humbly call on your Spirit to intervene for ___________. May our ears hear your groans; the groans of your Spirit coming from the Heavens to intervene in the darkened corners of our world.
Amen