For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who hopes for something he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

In the same way, the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express. And God, who sees into our hearts, knows what the thought of the Spirit is; because the Spirit pleads with God on behalf of his people and in accordance with his will.

Romans 8:24-27

We may not know what to come to God and ask for, but the Spirit does. We come to God with our need because our confidence lies not in ourselves nor in our intercession, but in the Holy Spirit. He hears and knows our hearts, but he also hears and knows the heart of God the Father. God's Spirit takes our inadequate prayers, breathes into them the Father's will, and turns them into meaningful requests. Although we may not get what we thought we wanted, we will receive the very best from God, for our Prayer Partner knows our deepest needs.

God hears more than words - He listens to our heart.

Our Daily Bread - February 6, 2002