Vital Signs: Saturday, June 21, 2025

When You Don’t Know What to Pray

“When we cannot pray as we should, it is good to pray as we can.” — Charles Spurgeon

“For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” - Romans 8:26

Anyone who has ever pursued the privilege of prayer has experienced moments of not knowing what to say. For me, that has not been a rare occasion but a regular part of my 62-year journey.

The beauty of growing older is learning that this life was never meant to be lived alone. I am not just referring to family, friends, or community, but to the essential presence of the Holy Spirit alive in us moment by moment. Even when we do not know which direction to go, which decision to make, or what words to pray, I have found that the Holy Spirit always steps in, interceding and giving voice to the thoughts we cannot express and the burdens we cannot carry alone.

So even when we cannot pray as we should, let us pray as we can. But pray, we must.