Words sometimes fail.
It’s hard to admit as someone who makes a habit of shaping words into images, thoughts, and emotion for others.
Human words sometimes fail and we have no words for the emotions we feel. No words for prayer.
No words.
When this happens it is tempting to feel helpless and alone. That only with words can our hearts’ longings and desires be heard. That somehow, only with words, can our souls’ thirst for something more true and real be realized.
After all words are powerful. They spoke us into existence. The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. It is natural that we expect much from words, and rely on them for so many things.
And yet, this body of ours with all the cogs and wheels of flesh and bone, living and breathing in these words, holds power too. So when human words fail us, when we can find no words strong enough for the emotions within ourselves - tears fall.
“you have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle! Are they not in your book?” Psalms 56:8
Recently I was reminded of how tears are powerful. In our most vulnerable moments, when words fail, when our hearts are plummeting, tears come forth. They come forth offering all that we’ve been holding onto, or holding in.
In our happiest moments, when Joy is overflowing threatening to consume us, tears fall and our heart dances. These tears speaking volumes as each falls to the earth, offering a pure Joy that cannot be put into words.
Friends I want to remind you of the value of our tears, and that when words escape us, the Lord still hears us. That is how attentive, how loving, how good of a Father we have. Even when words fail us, so closely does our Father draw near that He sees these tears and hears each prayer that they silently speak.
We may not always have words to speak in prayer, but tears are prayer too.
3 Ways to Pray without Words:
Taking a walk outside - Being present in the outdoors immediately draws us closer to our creator. From the wind blowing, to flowers dancing, clouds overhead or the sun shining above. Each exquisite experience outdoors is a chance to learn of our Father’s heart, His creativity, His whimsy and Love for us. Simply intend to walk outside seeking Him with your heart, your mind, your body and soul.
Light a Candle and Sit in Silence - This is a beautiful way to practice waiting for the Lord. This is prayer too. Train your mind to still your thoughts. In such a loud, distracting world this may be a short-lived practice at first, but over several days and weeks you can extend your ability to sit in silence, listening for the Lord. When I started doing this I could only last 1 minute, but over the years I try to do this a couple times a week and manage 5-10 minutes. Not sure what His voice sounds like? Read the Bible! This is my favorite podcast of bible readings as I can listen while keeping my hands busy.
Adoration of the Holy Eucharist - If ever there was a prayer without words it is the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Simply entering into the presence of the Eucharist, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ is an act of prayer. No words are necessary. Being present, bowing down before Him is all prayer and it is profound. If you find praying with words challenging, I invite you to this beautiful experience.
