By: Lauren Thomas
Have you ever felt so broken, so anguished, so hurt, that the only prayer you can offer is a meager groan? Me too. Have you ever been unsure of what exactly to pray? Not known what outcome to pray for or how to pray to that end? Me too.
Thank God that that’s all it takes sometimes. In Romans 8, Paul writes this encouragement: that even when we don’t know how to pray, even when we have no words to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27 ESV
The Greek word that has been translated Holy Spirit involves these definitions: helper, advocate, comforter, one who is summoned to come alongside. These are just some of the roles of the Holy Spirit, according to Jesus in John 14:26.
Do you feel weak sometimes? Take heart! Summon the Spirit of God to help you.
Do you feel broken sometimes? Look up! Summon the Spirit of God to comfort you.
Do you feel discouraged? Lift up a shout! Summon the advocate to fight for you.
The Holy Spirit is interceding on your behalf. To intercede means to pray on behalf of another, often as a go-between. In Hebrews 7:25, we also see intercession on our behalf: Jesus “always lives to make intercession for us.” You are never praying alone. And the one praying with you is working with Jesus and the Father to bring about God’s will for you.
In Romans 8, Paul goes on to say that what we are going through, and the intercession offered by the Spirit on our behalf, has this ultimate, end-result: God’s best for us, our good, and eventually, glory.
Reflection:
When was the last time you considered the role of the Holy Spirit in your prayer? Next time you pray, ask the Spirit to come alongside you. Recognize his role as comforter, helper, and advocate. How might this change how you pray?
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