By Dr. Vona Wilson

 

This is the second in a three-part series from our chaplain. Part two is here, and part three is here.

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” – Author Unknown

Sometimes we need to know that someone has our back. We need to know that someone is advocating for us, defending us, holding us up and believing in us—especially when we may not be able to believe in ourselves. The power of God in our lives usually shows up in those exact moments. When we have no power, God has all power.

PUP: Power Under Prayer

That’s what the Spirit of God does when we pray. God has already placed a strength under our prayers that is the best support and concern we could ever imagine. Just think of this: when we begin to speak to God, the Spirit immediately goes to work searching for the depths of what we need with God. We never even know this is going on, but it is! Sometimes things happen that leave us speechless. We don’t know what to say. We don’t know what to pray, but we know we need help, spiritual help. We can pray with silence or tears and trust that the Spirit is praying with an even greater compassion.

I feel that way when I hear about violent, senseless deaths. I feel that way when people have to flee their homes and cannot find a safe place to land. I feel that way when a person I looked up to and admired does something that shatters what I thought I knew about them. There are many things that happen in life that cause our hearts and spirits to ache.

Maybe we ask, “How long, God?” or “Why?” God can take our questions, but it doesn’t stop there. Our prayers unleash the Spirit who cries out to God on our behalf. That is the power under our prayers! PIP, POP, PUP: never underestimate the power of prayer!

I wonder what the Spirit is praying for you and for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee?

Let's Pray Together

Pray this scripture, and let it strengthen your soul today.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." – Romans 8:26-28

Learn more about the Y's Spirit and Mind Ministries

At the YMCA, we know that growing in spirit, mind and body is the surest path to holistic wellbeing. Our library of Spirit and Mind workshops, seminars and small group classes is designed to support growth in physical, emotional, spiritual and financial health.