Praying Without Words

Growing up on my grandfather’s farm—and continuing to work that land well into adulthood—taught me what it truly means to trust in God’s provision. Few things require more faith than planting a seed and waiting, knowing the harvest will determine whether a family can pay its bills or lose everything. That training in faith served me well.

I married at nineteen. Like many young brides, I assumed children would come soon therafter. I dreamed of staying home to raise them, just as my mother had done for me and my two brothers. But it wasn’t until thirteen years later, at the age of thirty-two, that we were finally expecting our first child. We were overjoyed and imagined a growing family in the years ahead.

Our second pregnancy ended in the fourth month, and the loss was devastating. As I approached forty, I came to believe that God’s plan was for our daughter to be an only child. And in time, we found peace in that. Our lives felt full and good.

Then, two years later, we were surprised with another pregnancy.

Due to my age, the subsequent months were dominated by fear-inducing messages from the medical community. Doctors cautioned us that something might be wrong—that our baby might not survive the pregnancy or live long after birth. I was plunged into deep despair, unable to articulate a prayer. In that darkness, I came to realize the faithfulness of the Holy Spirit, who conveys our unspoken cries—our "moanings and groanings"—to God when we are unable to voice them ourselves.

In November of 1999, we welcomed our second daughter into the world.

She was perfect.

Today, she is a young adult—married, working, and full of life. Whether the doctors were right or wrong, I know this: God gave us a miracle.

Have you ever experienced communicating with God without words?