Tears and Prayer

There are many different forms of prayer, and many different ways to pray. But how many of us really think of tears as a form of prayer?

We're all human, and as humans, we have feelings. We have thoughts. We have souls, and many experiences. We also have many things that bring us to tears. Last night, I as a sinner was feeling guilty; guilty for being a bad friend, guilty for getting angry, and guilty for not doing better. And I was trying to pray; for God's grace, for His mercy, to be a better friend, and for my dear, loving friend, and her forgiveness. I found myself having no words, and simply prayed with tears. I take comfort in the fact that God understands. And the Holy Spirit knows what we are trying to say, even though I'm sure most of us are not aware of that.

There are many verses in the Bible about tears. The Psalms contain some of the more beautiful ones. For example in Psalm 58, it says, "‘You have collected all my tears and preserved them in your bottle! You have recorded every one in your book." God knows our feelings, and our hearts. And tears are a sign of deep thoughts, of deep feelings, and of humanity. Sure, there are the ones who feel that tears are something to be ashamed of. But that is not true in my heart and mind. They have great effects. Tears on a hand-written letter are meaningful. Tears when mourning are powerful signs of deep feelings.

I am thankful for tears, for their healing, for the form of prayer that they are, and that we have a loving and big God who is able to wrap us up in His big arms and be a comfort in our times of need.