Too Deep for Words

by Pastor Debra Bronkema, July 22, 2026| connect.faith, Everyday Spirituality: The Blog

July 22, 2026

Too Deep for Words

Romans 8:26

The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words.

Too Deep for Words

I like words. I like to write, I like to read, I like words. When I was a child, I even liked being in Spelling Bees - memorizing the spelling of words. And editing, making sure the words are doing the best they can do to tell the story – I find that to be an adventure that engages me.

But there are times – when there are no words. There are times when the joy life brings to us can’t easily translate into words – like the birth of a child. And as our scripture today reminds us, there are times when what life throws our way is too heavy for words to carry. We want to pray, we want to ask for help, but the words feel caught in our throat.

The image of the Spirit interceding, hearing our groanings and turning it into prayer, helping us know that we are not alone, that can be a source of great comfort. The Spirit has us when we are in a place that is too deep for words, and in that knowledge we can relax into our groanings, and trust that God truly does hear our prayers.

Reflection Questions:

1) Do you have words you need to say in prayer today?

2) What does it feel like to know you can sit quietly with the Spirit in times of trouble in your life?

3) Are there songs that fill you when you are in a moment too deep for words?

Prayer:

Dear God, In all the times of our lives, help us to know you walk with us, you know us, and you hear even the words we cannot say. In Jesus Name, Amen