Prayer in the life of a Christian, has often been compared to air in the human body. They are both essential for life. While most people are blessed to be able to breathe with ease physically, when it comes to their spiritual life, many find “spiritual breathing” more challenging. Oswald Chambers, most noted for his devotional classic, “My Utmost for His Highest,” claimed that prayer should be as natural as breathing. He said, “Think of prayer as the breath in our lungs and the blood from our hearts. Our blood flows and our breathing continues without ceasing; we are not even conscious of it, but it never stops… Prayer is not an exercise; it is the life of the saint. It is coming into perfect fellowship and oneness with God.” It is an attitude of connectedness with God at all times. (Eph. 6:18) Most often people struggle with the “words” of prayer. They can’t find expression to articulate their thoughts and frame their wishes and so prayer becomes laboursome and frustrating. There is a form of prayer called “Wordless Prayer.” If prayer is indeed communication with God, and God already knows the thoughts and intents of our heart, why do we struggle so with “words?” One of the functions of the Holy Spirit is to take those deep desires of our heart and put words to them as our Intercessor before God the Father. Romans 8:26-27 says, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” These verses are among some of the most comforting and reassuring words in Scripture. Wordless prayer involves resting in God; putting your mind at ease; emptying yourself of words; and allowing yourself to soak in the richness of God’s presence. Some will never experience “wordless prayer” because their minds are too cluttered with words; or because it doesn’t fit their theological bent; or they just can’t be sufficiently still. It is an axiom of life that if you want an understanding of something, ask those who have been there. Mother Theresa said, “Jesus is always waiting for us in silence. In this silence He listens to us; it is there that He speaks to our souls.” C.S. Lewis said, “I still think the prayer without words is the best – if one can really achieve it. …When the golden moments come, when God enables one really to pray without words, who but a fool would reject the gift.” Hudson Taylor was one of the most famous Christians of the 19th century. He was a missionary to China and a respected spiritual giant. In his old age and in a weakened condition, he wrote this to a friend: “I am so weak I can no longer work. I am so weak I can no longer study. I am so weak I can no longer read my Bible. I cannot even pray. I can only lie still in the arms of God like a little child in trust.” (Isa. 30:15) Wordless prayer grows out of a genuine desire for God. It springs almost without notice. “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.” (Heb. 4:9-10 NIV) Songwriter J.S. Pigott wrote, “Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.” Wordless prayer. What enormous blessing awaits those who find it. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Be blessed my friend. Glen (Pitts) The Barnabas Group (Loads of Love) Zeph. 3:17; Isaiah 30:15; 32:17; Matt. 11:28; Psalm 23:2-3; 42:1; Rev. 3:20; 22:17; Heb. 7:25
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