Scripture Reading
Romans 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Reflection
When we do not know how to pray — when we are too weary for words, too confused for petitions — the Spirit takes over. Our groaning becomes his intercession; our weakness becomes the occasion for divine help. Prayer is not ultimately our achievement but the Spirit's work within and through us. We need only show up in our need.
Prayer for Today
This prayer, which is from the Qur'an, was recommended by the Prophet Muhammad to be recited as much as possible during the second 10 days of Ramadan for maximum rewards and forgiveness of sins. This prayer is special for me, as my father advised me to recite it during the first Ramadan I shared with my husband after our marriage, when I was pregnant with our first child, on bed rest, and unable to attend taraweeh prayers at our mosque in New York City.
"Allahumma innaka afuwun tuhibbul afuwa faafu anna."
Oh Allah indeed you are the greatest pardoner and you like the act of pardoning. Hence, please forgive us.
"Allahumma innaka afuwun tuhibbul afuwa faafu anna."
Oh Allah indeed you are the greatest pardoner and you like the act of pardoning. Hence, please forgive us.
Amen.