“It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without heart.”

Gandi

The “I Don’t Know” Prayer has been making the Social Media rounds

I have seen a trend the last few days on social media concerning prayer. One such trend is, “It’s okay to tell God I don’t know.” As I pondered this thought, I landed on verbose prayers. While sometimes that is needed. There are times when you look at a situation and just don’t have the words to verbalize. I often talk with my husband about social media and the trends. I’ve asked many times, is the world just more crazy? He always answers with, “Well, yes and no. Social media has amplified the voices of those that may not be in a good space.” I couldn’t agree more. Hence, the “I don’t know.” Prayer

When is it Okay to say, “I Don’t Know” to God?

In Romans 8:26 the scripture tells us that when we do not know what to pray the Spirit not only knows what we need, but also intercedes on our behalf to God. What does intercede mean? To act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition. That is pretty darn amazing. That says to me that we don’t always have to come into prayer with pomp and circumstance, but rather with a heart that may be weary and worn, but we can sit at the feet of God and know that with what little faith we can muster, we can just say; “I don’t know God, but you do. Please help.”

Often When our Hearts are Bare our Prayers are Too

A few years ago I had a pretty (and still somewhat ongoing) gut-wrenching family circumstance. To say that the situation broke my heart was an understatement. Loved ones dear to me were not speaking. I was alone one day, I had been crying. That is not a not-normal circumstance for sure. I cry at doggy movies, I cry when there is a happy ending. I wear my heart on my sleeves. But this day it was different. That cry came from the depths of my soul. The house was quiet, everyone had left. I lifted my hands and said, “I don’t know what to do God! I need your help!” In that moment, I felt peace. My soul was laid bare and there was only a smidgen of a mustard seed of faith, but that was okay. There was comfort from letting go. Did the situation go away immediately? No. But my faith was bolstered in that prayer.

Practice Being Honest With Yourself and in Prayer

Rose colored glasses are nice. I love them. Tea parties where you are told you are amazing are sublime. Throw a little chocolate in? Heaven. But life is not always a tea party with rose colored glasses. What makes life better? Faith and prayer. Knowing that you can’t control everything. Though it would be so nice to be able to do so, am I right? Be honest in prayer. Be the witness in your life that someone needs. When life is difficult don’t let a root of bitterness swoop in and steal your faith. Honestly, dear readers. I had done just that. I let that root of bitterness swoop in and make deep and lasting roots. I’ve had to revisit faith and prayer in a new and hopefully more meaningful way. Being honest is fair. Being honest anchors you into a better place. Honesty helps you to live life in a space where you know your limitations. Find a body of believers who can support you in prayer. Pray often readers, even when you don’t know.