Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

When we talk about prayer one of the most common phrases I have heard, and used, to describe the essence of the act of prayer is, “Prayer is a conversation.” I’m sure you have heard that idea before. Usually, we use that phrase to try and take the complexity out of prayer. What I mean is that most of the time people say that they don’t pray because they don’t know how to pray. I get it. Talking to a divine being that you cannot see or touch can feel odd. If that is you, the guidance you might get from another believer is to have a conversation with God like you would have a conversation with any other person. Sounds simple enough. But if you have ever had an actual conversation, you know that they can take many different forms.

Some conversations are long and private. You may spend an hour with God in the morning pouring out your heart. In those moments, the love of the Father can heal the most broken places of our lives or encourage us in areas that seem to have no hope.

Some conversations are short. I like to call these shotgun prayers. They are one-liners that are thrown out sporadically throughout the day. Like a random text message to your spouse, they help keep you connected. Some of the most powerful prayers may just be, “Lord, help me.”

Some conversations are one-way, but most are two-sided. Listening is a lost art when it comes to prayer. We don’t give ourselves enough margin to stop long enough to hear what God wants to say to us.

Some conversations are silent. I love this line in our reading today - “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."

I personally have been in a season where I have found myself not knowing what to pray. This verse reminds me that it is ok because the Holy Spirit can pray for the things that my heart feels even when I don’t have the words. Think about your closest friends. A lot can be said without using any words. Sometimes presence speaks louder than any words. The same can be true of prayer. When you don’t know what to say, be present and let the Holy Spirit say it for you.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflections:

• Every day we encourage you to start and end this time with 2 minutes of silence to reflect and be present. If you haven’t yet today, take a few extra minutes to listen to your Heavenly Father. Pause, ask God to speak, and then listen.

Family Devo: Romans 8:26-30 

By: Selena Rosetti

When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.   

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset  

Head 

According to Romans 8:26, who helps us in our weaknesses when we don’t know what to do?

Heart

After reading Romans 8:28, what is one thing in your life that you see God working for your good?

Hands

How can we show God we love and trust him to help us this week?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you so much for knowing me better than I know myself. Thank you for helping me when I am weak. I pray that no matter what happens this week you help me to see the good you are bringing from it. Thank you for loving me and help me to love you more each day! In Jesus' name, I pray these things, Amen.