We Are More Than Safe in God’s HandsSample

What a Great Intercessor You Have

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. 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.”

One of the great truths about the Holy Spirit is that he prays for us. In this one verse, we have five truths about the Spirit’s ministry of intercession.

First, the Spirit helps us. “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses.” We have weakness and frailties—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The Spirit knows our weaknesses and he helps us.

Second, the Spirit intercedes for us. “The Spirit himself intercedes for us.” God the Spirit prays to God the Father for you. There is much mystery here, but it’s true. It’s so encouraging to remember that the Spirit is ever praying for you.

Third, the Spirit prays for us because we do not know what to pray for. “For we do not know what to pray for as we ought.” We lack wisdom, we don’t see the big picture, and we don’t know the future, so we don’t always know what to pray for. You might pray that you could marry a certain person. God says no. Later, you realize marriage to that person would have been a disaster.

Thank God that the Spirit prays for us, because we do not know what to pray for.

Fourth, the Spirit prays for us with groans. “The Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Fascinating! Groanings! The point is not that the Spirit’s requests cannot be put into words, but that they are not put into words. Perhaps this is deeper, more powerful prayer.

Fifth, the Spirit prays for us according to the will of God. Don’t you know God hears and answers those prayers, prayers according to the will of God?

Richard Foster reminds us: When we stumble over our words, the Spirit straightens out the syntax. When we pray with muddy motives, the Spirit purifies the stream. When we see through a glass darkly, the Spirit adjusts and focuses what we are asking until it corresponds to the will of God.

The point is that we do not have to have everything perfect when we pray. The Spirit reshapes, refines, and reinterprets our feeble, ego-driven prayers. We can rest in this work of the Spirit on our behalf.