I was visiting my family and folding laundry. One family member had a lot of struggles. I kept praying for that person but felt like I wasn’t praying enough or the right way, like something was missing.
As I folded laundry for that family member, all I could do was cry. In my tears was this longing for them to be okay, to be in perfect shalom peace, to know God was with them. I felt so helpless to do more with my prayers, or to find the right words.
After I got home, I spoke with my pastor about my helpless feelings.
She said, “Don’t you think God heard your tears as you were folding laundry? Don’t you think that was the best prayer you could have offered?”
To this day, when I feel helpless in a situation that affects someone I care about, I try to remember her words. My tears are a prayer. What I feel in my heart is a prayer.
Words Are Optional in Prayer
Prayers don’t need the “right” words. They don’t need any words. God hears our silent prayers. He hears our heart.
Romans 8:26 assures us, “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” (NIV).
Sometimes we do voice our prayers. We may have something specific we feel led to speak in prayer. We might pray with a person who needs to hear specific words based on the Holy Spirit’s leading, or who needs to speak things out loud, to release them to God.
But when you don’t have words, let Romans 8:26 comfort you. God hears your heart. Your tears are your heartfelt prayer.
You might be angry or frustrated and make those kinds of sounds. God understands that language too. As you express those feelings to Him, the Holy Spirit can meet you in that place and bring you revelation of His presence, His guidance, His peace. Look through the Psalms to see that exchange at work.
God Is with You in the Silence
A prayer can be as simple as a silent plea to God for help when a difficult situation pops up.
Your tears as you think about a loved one in pain—that’s a prayer.
A silent thank you when God intervenes on your behalf connects your heart with His. No other words required.
This week, notice those moments when your heart utters silent prayers. Even sitting quietly in God’s presence is prayer.
Find assurance in knowing He hears your silent prayers, and He is with you in that circumstance.
Lord, thank You that we don’t have to look for the right words to pray, or make noise to get Your attention.
Help us trust that You hear our silent prayers.
Give us the peace of Your presence in the midst of struggle and uncertainty.
Thank You for always hearing our heart.
In Jesus’ name. Amen
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Janet Eriksson 