The Words to Pray
Matthew B. Harper (West Virginia, USA)
TODAY'S READING
Romans 8:26-30
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Scripture guides me when I don’t know what to pray.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those who taught me to pray
The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. - Romans 8:26 (NRSVUE)
My mom and dad taught me at a very early age to pray. But I struggle from time to time with how and what to pray. Our family regularly attended church and prayer services, and at times we prayed at the church altar if we felt led to do so. But sometimes even now I’m not sure what to say when I pray.
Memorized prayers and scriptures help when I’m stumbling over my thoughts while trying to verbalize them in prayer. My dad’s favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, which begins, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (KJV). These verses keep my mind focused when I wake up worried or run into any problem. They remind me how trustworthy our heavenly Father is. Mom’s favorite scripture is Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (KJV). What great reminders of the Father’s desire to lead us to joy, peace, and healing!
Sometimes I still don’t know what to pray, and I get stuck. I told Mom my dilemma years ago, and her simple answer was: “Just pray his name: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” Praying that beautiful, sweet name has saved my life. There is amazing power in Jesus’ name.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Amen.
Responses