Have you ever been at a loss of what, or how, to pray in a given situation or for someone? While last week we explored hope and how it carries us through difficult times (Romans 8:24-25), these two verses offer another benefit of the new life of the Holy Spirit. This time in the area of our prayers:

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us . . . . ” – vs. 26

How does God’s Spirit intercede for the believer? “. . . with groans that words can not express,” (vs. 26).

Perhaps no other Scripture gives greater encouragement in our prayer life. Dale Moody (Broadman Bible Commentary) writes: “The little English verb helps (vs. 26) translates a big verb in Greek. It is used elsewhere in the New Testament only when Martha called Mary to help her prepare a meal (Luke 10:40).”

For all of us who relate to Martha, this is huge encouragement!

God’s Spirit not only helps when we’re low on faith and/or uncertain what to pray, He also intercedes according to God’s will. And “He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit . . . .” (vs. 27).

So What?

• In the mystery, and sometimes confusion, of knowing what to pray we can have confidence that the Holy Spirit will intercede for us according to God’s will.
• Because God helps us pray we don’t need to fear coming before Him with our requests.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede “according to God’s will,” then trust Him for the results.