“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Matthew 6:7-8 (NRSV)
Prodigal Thoughts: Have you ever had an experience where you begin praying and words just won’t come out, whether it is because of overwhelming emotion or just not sure how to put the words together. Our Father knows what is in our hearts, but the purpose of prayer is to communicate. Perhaps the “Gentiles” prayed from a head knowledge on top of wanting to be heard by others. Our heads have a limited amount of knowledge, but God speaks the heart. Through our hearts, He gives so much more knowledge and wisdom. It is in our souls that the Holy Spirit dwells. It’s almost as if the Holy Spirit resonates in our hearts as to what to pray. As if the Holy Spirit in us is communicating to God the Father. When you pray, don’t worry if you can’t find the words or are overwhelmed by tears. The Holy Spirit prays in groans that we cannot understand. In fact, Romans 8:26-27 says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Prayer for today: I pray that we would seek the heart of God when we pray. That we would practice asking the Father what He desires to hear from His children. I pray that we would experience the Holy Spirit groaning on our behalf and that our heavenly Father would hear the selfless prayers of His little ones.
If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.
God’s grace and peace be with you always…
Prodigal Thinker 