In the background behind the mouse ear-shaped branch, there is a light-toned icon depicting Jesus.

The prayer is the heart's conversation with God.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Fil. 4:6)

Words of prayer for you.

"As soon as I step inside, recognizing my own helplessness, a light ignites: You answered me and placed me in a spacious place."

This is how Anna-Maija Raittila describes the sanctuary of helplessness, the experience of losing or emptying one's own words, both in prayer and perhaps in relation to other people.

Facing our own helplessness and speechlessness and surrendering to it can take us deeper into God's presence.

On this journey, we also need borrowed words, something to wear when our own helplessness chills us. We can rely on the words given by others in both our personal and collective prayer life. The Psalms of the Bible, hymnals, prayers from people throughout different times provide endless assistance.