“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26). Even if we accept and believe that prayer works, and that when we are in desperate need of help we can and ought to use prayer to help us out, but what do we do if we don’t know how to pray correctly or how to ask for what we need in the right way? The truth is, it’s OK to start off the prayer badly. We may not always know exactly what we want, or we may know what we really need but we are leery about what may be required of us. And the situation may be so complicated that we don’t even know where to begin. We can still start praying. Prayer will calm our minds and our hearts, it will chase away our doubts and fears, and most importantly of all, it will invite the Spirit, which can and will lead and guide us through our prayer. If our hearts are not completely willing, then let us pray until they become willing. If our intent is not entirely real, then let us pray until it becomes real. If we believe but are still plagued by unbelief, then let us pray until the Lord can help our unbelief. Sometimes the first step in getting heavenly aid is the Spirit helping us with our prayer itself. When words fail us, when thoughts fail us, when feelings fail us, the Spirit can intercede with groanings which cannot be uttered.
