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 (Romans 8:26-27 NIV).
The cries from the victims of tyranny and injustice are prevailing in the Kingdom of God. Hear the prayer from the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Washington D.C.
Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us, “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Children of God.” In this time of great worry, we fervently pray that Your Holy Spirit sustain all the people of Ukraine to be vigilant and dedicated to peace and justice. Grant their leaders’ wisdom and prudence. Yet, may they also have the strength and perseverance to defend their land from all adversity and foreign attacks. Help us all to live according to your Divine Will. O God, our Father, in the days to come, we beseech you to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the faithful departed into Your Heavenly Kingdom. We ask also that the Most Holy Mother of God extend her blessed mantle of protection over our Ukraine. Amen. [1]
Is this a good prayer? What is a good prayer anyway? Does the prayer have to line up theologically to be considered a good prayer? What posture should I take when I am praying? Do I pray loud like the Pentecostals? Should I have incense or light a candle?
Jesus cut through all these questions; the mourners will be comforted. The prayer that prevails is a groan that comes from deep within a person’s spirit and is carried along by the Holy Spirit to reach the ear of the Father in Heaven. Spiritual groaning is like the birthing cry of a mother giving way to new life soon delivered.
Is there groaning in your spirit, desperate for a change? Throughout history, mighty deliverances began with a groan. The Hebrew slaves cried out from their bondage in Egypt, and God heard their cry and remembered the blessing He had promised. The moans turned to songs of deliverance.
Let us not pray safe prayers. Let us groan. Let us cry out with those in despair because of the wicked pursuits of the rulers of this world. Holy Spirit help us in our time of weakness.
[1] “A Prayer for Ukraine,” National Review, March 6, 2022, accessed March 9, 2022, https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/a-prayer-for-ukraine/.
