Richard Foster has a section on the “prayer of tears” in his book Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home.  I remember reading this years ago and feeling so encouraged that even through my wordless, tearful prayers, I am connecting with God.  I felt liberated from thinking I was just a silly emotional girl who frequently got overwhelmed by the world… to the point of tears.  I realized that the Holy Spirit was interceding for me through those tears.   I’ve experienced the prayer of tears a lot lately… and it has been both exhausting and wonderful.  I have experienced that raw dependence on the Lord that frequently gets overshadowed by my more intentional and “eloquent” prayers.  If you’ve ever prayed with me, you should laugh at the “eloquent” reference… all my prayers are a bit rugged and lack finesse!

Anyway, I believe prayer (communication with God) takes many shapes and formats… so be encouraged to BE REAL with the Lord.  Don’t try to fit your prayers into one mold or way of teaching.  It’s been a long time since I read Foster’s book but I think I’m going to revisit it… and be encouraged to pray constantly and with freedom.