Can you remember a time when you just did not know what to say?
Perhaps you felt so astonished or befuddled or grieved. Even the most loquacious folks can find themselves at a loss for words.
This block of putting thoughts into words can even happen when we talk to God. Maybe the offering of sporadic prayers presents an awkwardness. We might be feeling ashamed of realized sin. Perhaps we don’t feel worthy of approaching the King of kings. We could be in the despair of emotional turmoil. These are just some reasons we might feel at a loss for words when we try to pray. Isn’t it a comfort to know that when we do not know what to pray the Holy Spirit will help us in our weakness and intercede for us (Romans 8:26-27)?
How wonderful that our heavenly Father wants us to be in communication with him! By Jesus Christ’s atoning work on the cross, “in him and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12 NIV).
If you find yourself at a loss for words initiating prayer, you may be wondering:
- How can I start my conversation with God?
“Praise the LORD!... Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!” (Psalm 150:1a,2 ESV)
- What should be the posture of my heart?
“Humble yourselves before the LORD” (James 4:10a NIV). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 ESV).
- What might I say to God?
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1 NIV). “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV).
- What can I do about my worries?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6 NIV).
- How often should I talk to God?
“Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV, letter P in Do LAPS!) and “rejoice always” (v. 16) and “give thanks in all circumstances” (v.18a).
Our God loves us and he wants us to remain in him.
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18 NIV, letter N for Near in Follow and Lead).
Pray scriptures and draw near to God each week when you work through Keep on Track or any Heart Training book.