Create a Habit of PrayerSample

One of the greatest things holding us back from praying is not knowing where to start. Isn't that always the hardest part? Just starting? What's holding you back?

Are you worried you will mess up a prayer so badly that it will turn God off forever? Are you nervous that your words won't line up with what God wants for you? Are you waiting for some clear, even audible, nudge in the right direction of prayer?

This is completely natural! If you get overwhelmed with this idea that you need to have complete clarity on what to pray before you start praying, rest in this promise from Romans 8. God has made a way, so don't get overwhelmed with having the right words. The Holy Spirit lives in us, and He knows the will of God, so He cries out with that knowledge for us when we are unsure ourselves. We can find rest in the silence as we invite the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf.

Eugene Peterson says in his paraphrase of Romans 8:26, “in our wait" instead of “in our weakness." Is this you? Are words hard to come by, not because you don't know what to say but because you have asked and prayed the same prayer so many times? Persevere. And maybe some days, that means persevering in silence and letting the Spirit intercede for you.

ACTION STEP: Sit in the presence of the Almighty, ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you, and trust that He will.