Romans 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
The great Dominican writer Fr. Simon Tugwell says, “One very basic piece of doctrine about prayer is given us by St. Paul: we do not know how to do it.” This is really rather a relief. We’ve all had those moments in elementary school where everyone else was nodding thoughtfully as the teacher lectured on and on about base four math while we felt our brains going into vapor lock. We felt certain we should know what was going on, but the reality was we were completely lost. Often, Christians feel as though they should know how to pray and that their confusion is a sign that they are not truly spiritual. The happy news St. Paul gives is that our cluelessness in this department is normal. As Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). This includes prayer. So Jesus sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts to pray through and with us. If you’re frustrated with your weakness in prayer, rejoice! You are a normal member of the human race and Jesus has a gift for, his very Spirit. That Spirit can see the depths of your soul when all is darkness to your own eyes. He can also reach into the heart of God and find just the right words to intercede for you. Ask him to help you pray what God would have you pray. That, says St. Paul, is what he is there for. And he is a God who keeps his promises.
