How to Pray When You Don’t Have the Words - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - September 10, 2025

Audio By Carbonatix

"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" (Romans 8:26, NIV). 

It had been one of the most exhausting weeks of my life. After numerous book proposal rejections, challenging life circumstances, mental health struggles, and conflict, I found myself crying behind the steering wheel of my car. I tried to compose myself for my appointment, but the weight was too much. A deep groan erupted from within, and all I could do was stare. 

Tears seeped down hollow spaces as I sat in silence, unable to form a sentence or thought. God was with me, but I couldn't process His presence. I knew He heard my cries, but it didn't feel like it. I wondered if things would ever get better. And if you've ever been there, you know the ache of wanting to pray but feeling like you don't even have the words.

The good news? Prayer isn't about perfect words, but the condition of my heart. In that moment, my heart was broken. Honestly, I was a bit embarrassed to bring it to the Lord in its messy state. But God isn't impressed by the eloquence of our hearts—He desires honesty. This is why Hosea 6:6 and 1 Samuel 15:22 essentially say: "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings" (NIV). 

In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah prayed in her heart for something she'd always desired. Those around her even thought she was drunk because her prayers were so distressing. You couldn't hear a single word. But though the words were hard to form, and others judged her, God saw her, heard her, and honored the integrity of her heart:

"As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, "How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine." "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief" (1 Samuel 1:12-15, NIV). 

Beyond prayer not being about perfect words is even better news: When we're too jumbled to pray, the Spirit prays for us. 

Ever wished someone could take a test or do your job for you? I know I have! But Romans 8:26-27 promises something deeper for when we struggle with times of deep groanings and despair. These two verses promise us that, regardless of the state we find ourselves in, the Holy Spirit translates our sighs, groans, and silence into intercession. 

"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. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God" (NIV). 

This intercession isn't just for God's benefit, but it's on our behalf. Because when we can't pray, we aren't failing! God is carrying us, and whispering "Help me, Jesus," is enough. Prayers can be simple, and the Psalms often model this approach in short, raw prayers (e.g., "How long, O Lord?").

When words won't or can't come, we can repeat a single verse or utterance of words, knowing He hears us and cares. That is enough. In the silence, we find sacred space. Communion between us and the Father, even when words fail to speak. Why? Because prayer is not always speaking—it's also sitting in God's presence. Sometimes the most powerful prayer is being still and letting Him hold you (Psalm 46:10).

Friends, when you don't have the words to pray, breathe a simple prayer: "Jesus, I need You." Pray any Scripture (such as a Psalm), and sit in the silence. Don't be afraid of those still and uncomfortable spaces. Let God meet you where you are. And rest assured, He still hears you. The Spirit intercedes on our behalf, and that's a beautiful gift. We don't need to have the right words or say them poetically to come to Him. He desires us honestly and authentically, just as we are. 

Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for even when I don't have the words, you hear my heart. You know me, you love me, and you care about what I'm experiencing. Please teach me how to rest in your presence and trust the Spirit to speak on my behalf. Remind me that when words are lacking, you still hear me and see me. We love, praise, and thank you, Lord. Amen.

Photo Credit: ©Zbynek Pospisil

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber

Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.

In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward

If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!