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TODAY’S WORD…

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The Spirit helps us in our weakness;

for we do not know how to pray as we ought,

but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.

– Romans 8:26

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REFLECTION…

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Sometimes, we will want to pray,

but find that we simply cannot utter anything.

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We go to our quiet place,

we try…

but nothing.

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Our mind is blank;

our thoughts go elsewhere;

interruptions;

whatever the reason – if there is any – we cannot pray

nor express what we would like to say to the Lord.

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When this happens, we mustn’t worry

because the Holy Spirit, who is always by our side, knows our heart,

and in a manner beyond our understanding

He pleads for us and also gladly receives our unexpressed prayer.

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The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.

He is our great resource.

The joy promised by the Gospel is the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:21),

and it is not maintained except thanks to a continuous contact with Him.

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Often, when faced with evil, we feel incapable of doing anything,

but prayer is the first and most effective response that we can give

and that strengthens our daily commitment to spreading goodness.

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness

and His power makes our weakness fruitful.

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QUOTE…

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“In time of dryness we must remember the very sweet word of the Apostle: ‘the Spirit helps us in our weakness.’

He, without our being aware, fills our words and sighs with the desire of God, of humility, of love.

Then the Paraclete becomes the strength of our ‘weak’ prayer, the light of our extinguished prayer;

in a word, the soul of our prayer. Truly…He waters that which is arid."

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– Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa

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PRAYER…

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Holy Spirit, always by my side,

interpret my heart and receive my prayer.

Guide me with Your love and consolation

and let my soul pray through You, O Holy Spirit.

Come, help me in my weakness, O loving Consoler.

Come, Holy Spirit, come.

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