I’m so grateful to have friends that “get me.”  I can call or text one of them with a brief prayer request, and they understand the story behind the story.  Because of our shared history, years of knowing each other’s families, and many genuine conversations, I don’t have to explain the whole situation or the struggles of my heart.  When there is time, they are willing and patient to listen to the long version, but it’s not required for them to know how to pray.

Similarly, I am grateful that Jesus knows everything about me.  When I bring him a need, I don’t have to go into great detail about the situation or the people involved; he already has the whole picture.  In fact, he understands more about what’s going on and what the solution is than I do!  Of course, he is happy to listen when I pour out the words on my heart, but what a comfort that he already knows.

 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  Romans 8:26-27