“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 (NASB)

She closed the door and ran the water hoping no one would hear and, yet at the same time, praying someone would care.

She felt the moist heat penetrate her skin while the warm, rough fabric absorbed her tears and muffled her sobs. The warm washcloth slid down her face revealing the reflection of her tear-stained cheeks and mangled expression.

The words that had been hurled at her moments earlier echoed in her ears and repeatedly stabbed her heart. It had not been an argument or even a heated exchange. No, it was just a cold, callous expression of youthful independence. This wasn’t the first time. But usually, the remarks weren’t so pointed and personal. 

This time, the words were more personal causing insult and emotional injury. This time, she couldn’t recover and keep her composure. She stood frozen in the pain of the moment and paralyzed by the fear of failure. Failure as a parent.

Later, her sleep was interrupted as she felt the nagging tug of sadness and guilt. What could’ve or should’ve been done differently to prevent this exchange? To soften the heart of her child? Why is it in her relationships with others she feels so accepted yet from her child she feels rejected?

Most of us have experienced something similar and if you haven’t you probably will. Maybe it wasn’t the hurtful comments from a child. Was it the stinging words from a spouse? From someone you trusted? From a parent? All of them are just as damaging.

I have been there myself … more than once. 

I know these moments pass and feelings fade. Disappointment is usually temporary and wounds from words all heal – eventually. But in that moment, you feel like you have been tossed carelessly into a dark pit of despair … lost and lonely.

In those times, I have cried out to God not knowing the right prayer. Not knowing what I need to say or do to make things right. Not knowing how to restore my broken heart.

Miraculously, it is in those moments that the Holy Spirit takes over. Somehow the wordless groans of a grieving soul are transformed by the Holy Spirit into the most beautiful prayer. A prayer that reaches our heavenly Father who will in turn send back the right answer at the right time providing the comfort and guidance that heals the shattered heart. 

When times are tough and you can’t find the right words, when your pain is too great to put into words, when you feel defeated by life, rest assured God hears your wordless cry and knows just what you need – even when you don’t.