If only I could “Google” God for answers to life’s problems. Then, I could just type a question and get a straight answer—the Truth.
As a writer, I don’t always come up with the best questions to ask to achieve the right solutions. And at times, I don’t know what to pray when burdened by life challenges.
So, I wish I could enter a word or phrase into my Internet search engine, trusting that God would provide the exact direction I needed.
As I share in my family’s struggles with their painful issues, I don’t pretend to know how to help them manage their lives. How can I intercede for someone else, when I don’t know how to pray about my own problems?
On those days when I can’t express my own heart’s concerns, so I go to God’s Word for answers. And I’ve found powerful promises to help me navigate the turbulent waters of my worried life.
How can we find rest?
… Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30 NLT)
How can we choose not to worry? Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns” (MSG).
How can we know what to pray?
… the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. (Rom. 8:26-27)
How can we find direction?
God’s Word answers, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me … ” (John 10:25 NIV).How to know God hears my prayers? And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.
And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. (1 John 5:15)
I still wrestle with what to pray at times. So, I depend upon the written Word of God for guidance. It serves as a lifeboat when unexpected storms roll in. And I offer it as a lifeline to others who may be drowning in their sea of worries.
Father, we need you, but we don’t know what to say. Thank You for Your Spirit, Who guides us when we pray. Holy Spirit, intercede—You alone know our needs. Amen.
