When One Word is Enough

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” — Romans 8:26–27 (NLT)

I attended a concert for a newer Christian artist named Lexi Elisha, and something she sang that day has always stayed with me. The song spoke of having nothing left to say, standing in a dark valley, and finding that the only word left was Hallelujah.

Holidays have gotten harder as I get older. Heavy dates arise and break my heart.

October 15th — the 3-year anniversary of my relative's suicide.
October 21st — the 8-year anniversary of my grandma's passing.
December 25th — the 8-year anniversary of my aunt's passing.

Grief has a way of making time stand still. And sometimes, when the weight of it all feels overwhelming, I simply don't have the words to pray. But Romans 8 reminds us that when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. God doesn't need perfectly constructed sentences or eloquent prayers. He already knows our hearts. Sometimes our prayers are filled with gratitude and praise. Other times, they're whispered through tears. And sometimes, all we can manage is one word.

Jesus. Help. Please. Hallelujah.

Don't let the absence of words keep you from the presence of God. Even when we can't find the words, the Holy Spirit is praying on our behalf. And sometimes, one word is all we need to offer. Not because everything is okay, but because we know the One who holds us when it isn't.