Translated prayers

One of the foundations of the Christian life is prayer. Martin Luther once said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Oswald Chambers wrote “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, it is the greater work.” We read throughout scripture the call to prayer without ceasing, to approach the throne of God with thanksgiving, and to constantly give God praise.

Sometimes it comes naturally, we can’t help but pray. But sometimes prayer doesn't come so easily to us. It can be hard to think straight, to find the balance between reverence or honesty, or the right mix of gratitude and request. Prayers can end up as a roars of frustration, bubbling inexpressible gratitude, and sometimes we can choke on words too painful to get out. If we compare ourselves to others, our own attempts can seem weak or useless.

If you’ve ever felt the disconnect between what you’d like your prayer life to be and what it is, Romans 8:26 is a great encouragement. It reads, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

It’s been said that “In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” Today, give yourself the freedom of a heartfelt prayer to God, safe in the knowledge that it’s “translated” by the Holy Spirit.


Romans 8:26