When I was growing up, there was an amusing television commercial involving the interaction of a dentist with his patient. With the patient’s mouth numb from Novocaine and an aspirator in his mouth, the dentist was diligently working away. During the procedure, the patient attempted to carry on a conversation with the dentist. With the typical garbled speech of someone whose tongue is numb and several instruments stuck in one’s mouth, most of the words were unintelligible. Nonetheless, the dentist smiled and nodded to everything the patient said, joining in the conversation and interjecting an occasional, “Oh really?” and “Wow, he didn’t see that coming!”
Finally, the procedure ended and the dentist removed the instruments. As he was cleaning up, the patient continued his conversation, this time speaking very clearly. The dentist looked at him with a befuddled look then immediately grabbed one of his instruments, placed it back in the patient’s mouth and asked him to repeat what he was saying. The patient’s garbled speech returned and the dentist smiled and said, “Yes! Absolutely!” It was all very entertaining and true. Somehow, dentists are able to translate this garbled speech into intelligible phrases that are otherwise lost in translation.
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 (NASB)
When I am overwhelmed with multiple simultaneous problems, my prayers are often fumbled and unfocused. Like a dental patient with too many instruments in their mouth, I unnecessarily burden my soul with too many worldly concerns, hindering my prayers. Thanks be to God that although my prayers are garbled, it is not lost in translation with God. His Holy Spirit intervenes in my life and helps me to pray in a manner that only He understands and can properly interpret.
God, who created me, understands my deepest needs and concerns. When I am unable to clearly pray, His Holy Spirit intervenes and speaks through me and for me to intercede on my behalf to my Heavenly Father. No matter my circumstances, if I desire to pray and speak to God, His Holy Spirit will always reassure me that nothing I think or say will ever be lost in translation when I direct it to God.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 