Right now I don’t really know how to pray.
In two weeks a loved one starts radiation. Around that same time another loved one will undergo surgery.
Yesterday I shared that prayer is essential for moving forward. It’s not a nice option; it’s essential. It’s powerful. It’s our truth. It’s our sword. It’s healing. When you don’t have words, you may be tempted to skip prayer — even though that’s when we usually need it most.
In Luke 11, the disciples approach Jesus. He had been praying and they watched from a distance. These guys had been taught about prayer their whole life. They prayed a certain number of times every single day. Yet they saw something in Jesus’ prayer life that they wanted.
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
Jesus gave them words.
He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” (Luke 11:1-4)
Many of us are familiar with this prayer. We can say it word for word. We memorized it as a child. I don’t believe that Jesus was trying to give them a scripted prayer, but a way to begin to communicate with God.
Max Lucado, in his book, Before Amen, shares what this prayer might look like in our modern-day world.
Father, you are good.
I need help. Heal me and forgive me.
They need help.
Thank you.
In Jesus’ name, amen
So when I don’t have words, I use this as a prayer starter.
[bctt tweet=”When you need God the most and don’t have the words to pray. https://wp.me/p4jbdw-48S #livingfreetogether” username=”suzanneeller”]
Father, you are good.
You are good in this hard place. I’ve seen your goodness over and over again. You are good as you walk with us. You are good as you pour out peace that makes no sense in the natural. You delight my heart, Father, and I cannot imagine my life without your love.
I need help
This is bigger than me. It’s not what I wanted, and it’s not where we want to be, but I know that when I cry out you are there.
Heal me and forgive me
I know that you see us. I know who we serve. I thank you for grace that covers a river of doubts and mercy that sweeps over every uncertainty.
They need help.
Heal physical bodies. Bring peace. Cover all those who love them. Lord, I’ll be there, but you are there in ways that I can’t touch.
Thank you. In your amazing name, amen.
And this, dear friends, is where this girl who has no words praises a God who is alive and who knows every hair that is numbered on my loved one’s head. This is where I feel him, and it’s not a scripted prayer at all but intimate conversation and strength between God and his daughter.
If you’ve struggled with knowing what to say,maybe these words will get you started.
Father, you are good.
I need help. Heal me and forgive me.
They need help.
Thank you.
In Jesus’ name, amen
Let that simple prayer draw you closer to God and fill you up, in spite of those things you cannot change.
Suzie
Day #17 of Moving Past What You Cannot Change
Q: Why is prayer key to moving past what you cannot change?
Q: Describe one thing you are asking God to change in you, regardless of your current situation or past events.
Read Luke 11:1-13
Jesus emphasized the importance of prayer in a parable. Rather than comparing God to the sleeping neighbor, he uses it as a contrast. God is attentive. He does hear us. He is a good Father.
- Will we keep knocking (prayer) even when we don’t have words?
Related Resource
I’ve written a devotional that will release in September, 2017. When I saw this hardcover devotional, I almost wept. It’s beautiful. It’s a gorgeous gift for anyone. Maybe even just for you.
It’s straight up walking with Jesus. Nothing less. Nothing more.
My prayer is that it will change the hearts of many as they follow Jesus for a year. I pray they’ll discover what the disciples did as they came to know Jesus as Savior and friend.
It’s available for preorder in lots of great places, but right now Target has it list for 32% off the purchase price! I’m excited to share that news with you. ~ Suzie
Continued prayers for you and your loved ones Suzie. I recently told a friend whose wife is now going through this, I can share my story but her experience will be different. I can tell her it will be ok but that doesn’t ease the pain she is going through right now. We’ve walked this walk but each walk is different. The most we can do is walk beside them, offer comfort, prayer, love and support. God has this and He has you. Thank you for sharing your heart.
💕Amen
Thank you, Suzie, for today’s message. I am learning just how essential prayer is to those of us who believe. Prayer is our lifeline. Prayer is everything!
I totally agree Maribeth today’s message was powerful. Prayer is essential in our daily lives and it is our lifeline. Some of my prayer time is in the car where it is just me and no one else. I can talk to God and lay before Him the burdens or praises I have. There have been times when I said to Him, ‘Lord, I don’t know how to put it,’ or ‘I’m not sure that I have the right words,’ but I know He understands exactly what I’m trying to say or pray about. Thank you for your wise words.
I needed this today. I need to get my prayer life rejuvenated. I need to pray for those who I have held accountable for my past hurts. I need to ask them to forgive me for holding them accountable. I need to see others who need me and have held me accountable.
Praying for you Suzie and your family in this season.
Sheila, prayer changes us. I wanted to share my struggle because I think that I’m not alone in it. This morning as I prayed, I used these words to start my time with God. It opened the door for such a sweet time with Him.
Praying this for many. Praying this for you.
“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 through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26 For me, this is one of the most powerful verses in all of scripture — a reminder that we are not alone when we are too weak to even pray for help. The Spirit of God, himself, is interceding for us and bringing the requests of our hearts before Heaven’s throne. Amen! Thank you for this post, Suzie. It’s very timely — not only because our lives can be filled with such heavy burdens, but also the world is filled with so many. It’s a hard time to pray. But so vital! That is why the Holy Spirit works to accomplish it when we are too weak. Amen!
Amen!
Suzie, you and your family continue to stay in my prayers. The truth of God pouring over you in this time of grief is powerful. Really. Powerful in the testimony of your words. Powerful in your words of honesty. Powerful because during life circumstances of crappiness (Not sure if you like that word but that is how I look at life moments at times.) you are still on your knees praying. Thank you, sister. Press on, friend. Your words move hearts to truth and healing.
Yep, I totally understand that word! 💕
Just getting started in conversing with God opens all kinds of windows for God to touch our hearts, to heal our souls and our bodies and to be the person Jesus would have us be. Love your heart and words, Suzie.
I agree, Debbie. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Suzie for today’s post. You’re right–we don’t always know what to pray but I am comforted that He knows. There are days I feel sure God fills in the blanks of my not so well-worded prayers. But He knows my heart and works accordingly. Love you sweet friend and praying for your family.
Amen 💗
Thank you to Suzie for allowing God to continue to work in your life. My prayer life suddenly changed following a knock at our front door nearly 22 months ago. We were woken by an unexpected visit from our local sheriff’s department. The news of our son’s tragic auto accident would rock our faith foundation to its very core. The journey has been difficult, yet I could not imagine life without our comforter, Jesus. Since our son’s physical death, a spiritual life began. We have a sense of peace only God can grant. We also realize we must live for today because tomorrow is not a guarantee. Please pray for God’s blessing to continue to emerge following Evan’s journey with Jesus, and that there is peace in knowing we have a hope and a future only in Christ Jesus.
Dawn, I am so, so sorry at the loss of your precious son. Praising God and thanking him that through this time you have been drawn closer to Jesus. I pray that God will continue to reveal himself through this time and help you to use this situation to see Him and to be able to share God with others. I pray that each and every day God brings you joy and draws you and your family closer to him. I pray that, one day, this time can be used to help others who experience the same knock on the door and that God will use you to bring comfort and peace to others, that Evans transition to heaven will help bring healing to not only you but to others.