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

As I was drifting off to sleep, I started to pray to God and shared with him the many things on my heart. Emotionally exhausted, I soon realized I was inadequate to share in words all of the concerns that had built up within me. Peace rushed into my body as I recounted the above verses, which assure me that the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf. How comforting to know that the Spirit is my advocate, helping pass along my prayers to God Almighty.

Besides not always having the right words to say, I can often find myself impatiently waiting for God’s responses to my prayers. Certain prayers such as, “God, please bless the week ahead and help my children to do their best at their studies, feeling safe and secure at school,” have more direct and time-bound answers. While other prayers like, “Heavenly Father, please be with our family friend who is incredibly ill. Please bring healing, comfort, and support to her and her family,” are complex by nature and answers might not come in our timing and as we would wish for a response. Praying over dreams and ideas can take years in the making, and God’s answers might translate entirely different to what we envisioned. Not knowing how God will respond can sometimes make us hesitate on what we pray about at all.

But no matter what answer God gives us in his way and timing—choose to pray at all times! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 instructs us to, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” We were made for relationship with God through Jesus, and prayer is one of the ways we continually put our trust in God’s sovereignty regardless of the outcome. We may find it difficult to see how God is working in our circumstances, but we can place our trust in the unconditionally, loving God who sent us his only Son to die and rise again, so that we could have an eternal hope.

Perhaps you feel lost for words in your prayer time today? That’s okay—invite the Holy Spirit to intercede on your behalf. We can have peace beyond circumstances as we rest in the comfort of knowing that, “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)