Ummm Uhhhh

Recently, I heard about a study that looked at the use of "ummm" and "uhhhh".  It seems that women use the "ummm" more often than men do and men use "uhhhh" more often that women. The study went on to conclude that when women use "ummm", they are trying to figure out what to say. When men use "uhhhh", they are trying to determine how to say it. As I began to ponder my use of these "words", I thought of the scripture verse in Romans 8 that assures us that there is One who intercedes for us when we do not know what to say or how to say it.

     "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27)

I can't begin to tell you how many times I've come to the Lord and not known how to pray. My thoughts are a jumbled mess in my mind. The words just won't come. I don't know what to say. I don't know how to say it. Oh the comfort of knowing that the Holy Spirit intercedes for me. Dictionary.com defines intercedes as "to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition."  The Holy Spirit acts in my behalf, pleading the words of my heart before God the Father! Isn't that amazingly wonderful? Oh what a precious promise.

So the next time you find yourself struggling for the words as you go to Him in prayer, rest in the promise that it's okay. There is Someone who does know and He is acting on your behalf.  He knows. He just knows.


Blessings,

Teresa