Friday, June 26, 2009

Praying When Overwhelmed

As I've gotten older and as I've furthered my walk with the Lord, I have increasingly felt besieged and overwhelmed by the amount of people presented before me who need prayer. Of course, we all need prayer, but there are so many who are facing serious, dire situations who really, really need intercession. Satan has been tormenting them, and he is the one who makes me feel so helpless when I hear each person's story.


I want to pray for everyone but feel that there aren't enough hours in the day to cover each person and situation. Sometimes I just don't even know the words to say or to cry out to our Heavenly Father, and, therefore, I remain silent. Just what Satan wants.


Then I recently read this: 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


We are the saints that this scripture is talking about. And when we are feeling weak, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. God knows what is on our hearts and minds even when we can't speak it. Yes, He does want to hear it from our own lips, but he knows there are times when we are mute due to our human weakness. Thankfully, He has given us the Holy Spirit to do the work or utter the prayers that we just can't seem to do ourselves.


Think about it. As your children have grown, you have helped them when they've gotten stuck. Don't you think our Lord will do the same thing for us, His own children?


So if you're feeling overwhelmed and heavy laden for others or even yourself, God understands and will come to your rescue. He won't leave you "stuck". Satan's super glue is like scotch tape to God. God will easily peel Satan off of our lips and let those prayers flow from our mouths. But don't worry about your silent times. The Holy Spirit is there with groans that words cannot express.

4 comments:

Collette@Jesuslovesmums said...

Hi Leslie that is a great piece of scripture and so relevant to your post! I have felt like you also and like you just remained quiet and I have felt very guilty for doing so! What a great reminder Leslie of the importance of praying for others and the help we receive from God to do this.
Collette xxx

Andrea said...

I was just discussing this passage with a dear friend. We, too were talking about the overwhelming amount of very serious needs surrounding us. Thanks for sharing this passage with us today.
Blessings, andrea

Kelly said...

"Satan's super glue is like scotch tape to God." I just loved this line Leslie. It is so true. Excellent writing today, as we've all been overwhelmed at one time or another. Thank you for the encouraging words!

Heart2Heart said...

Leslie,

I too have heard this very same verse this week. It is so helpful when people think there are specific ways to pray. I think of it more simply: Prayer: The ultimate in wireless communication.

No contracts required, no phones to buy and no overages to worry about, not even any bills to pay. Just begin talking cause God is always listening.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat