Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
Sometimes I don’t know how to pray. Illness, loss, divorce, conflicts, and trials abound. I receive prayer requests from others often and having multiple petitions layered upon others, my heart becomes heavy for family and friends. As an empath, I have found that being off social media is best for me. I keep my world relatively small so that it’s easier to focus on those who are close to me. When prayer requests pile up, I feel like I am playing the game of “hot potato” with God. When I receive the request, I think of Romans 8:26-27, and immediately hand it over to God.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27
How do I pray anyway? A few of my friends are dealing with heavy family issues. What do I ask for? How do I form words when the heart hurts, the soul aches, and the mind is numb? The prayer that never fails comes to mind; “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10). Even if it hurts? Even if it means I don’t get my way? Even if someone still suffers, dies, walks away, gives up, or takes years to come back to God? My thoughts are not His thoughts. His timing is not mine. I have found some direction on what to pray for from the book of Philippians when I start to feel overwhelmed.
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Philippians 1:2-4
GRACE to you (dignity, balance, thanksgiving)–for every mile, for every trial. I ask for new grace to face a new day even when there are no answers – at least not at present. I pray for dignity to accept mistakes and to receive forgiveness, for balance through a diagnosis or other issues with thanksgiving that God’s hand can still keep, protect, and guide.
and PEACE (one accord with God, tranquility, the quietness of spirit)— I long for stillness – not rushing to find answers or even understanding. I urge for reassurance that God alone can fix, bend, and mend people and problems.
MAKING REQUEST WITH JOY – calling out with joy because I go to the One Who has the answers!
No matter the situation, prayer is the greater work. Whether the prayer is short or long, a breath or ongoing throughout the day, God hears. When my soul seeks for a voice, sometimes the only words needed to cover it all from the One Who sees it all are Grace and Peace.