Key Verse: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." - Romans 8:26 KJV
There are times in every believer's life when we simply do not know what to pray. Sometimes the circumstances are so difficult that words fail us. Sometimes there are competing needs, uncertain decisions, deep sorrow, or burdens that are difficult even to understand ourselves. Romans 8 gives us tremendous encouragement: our weakness does not prevent God from working. The Holy Spirit helps us precisely where we are weak.
Paul says: “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” Romans 8:22
And he includes believers in that groaning: “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” Romans 8:23
The Christian life does not mean that we are immune from suffering.
We still live in a fallen world. We experience sickness, loss, disappointment, uncertainty, aging, grief, and trials. We may know that Christ has saved us while still longing for the day when He will make all things new.
Paul describes that longing as groaning. But then comes this beautiful assurance: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.” Romans 8:26
Notice that Paul does not say the Spirit helps us only after we have become strong enough.
- He helps us in our infirmities.
- Our weakness is not a surprise to God.
- Our inability to find the right words does not mean God cannot hear us.
- Our uncertainty does not mean God is uncertain.
And when we cannot see the way forward, the Holy Spirit is still at work within us.
Paul continues: “For we know not what we should pray for as we ought.” That is an honest description of the human condition.
There are times when we think we know exactly what we need, only to discover later that God's purpose was greater than what we could see.
There are other times when we don't even know what to ask. Yet the Holy Spirit intercedes for us: “But the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26
What a comforting thought.
Our prayers are not dependent upon our ability to find perfect words. God knows the heart. The Holy Spirit knows the will of God. And the Spirit works on behalf of God's children.
Paul then says: “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:27
The Spirit intercedes according to the will of God. That matters because prayer is not ultimately about persuading God to give us whatever we want. Prayer is about bringing ourselves before God and trusting Him with what we cannot control.
Sometimes God changes the circumstances. Sometimes He changes us in the circumstances. And sometimes He gives us strength to endure circumstances that He has not immediately removed. But He is never absent.
Devotional Thought
One of the great temptations during difficult seasons is to believe that if we cannot pray well, we must not be doing well spiritually. Romans 8 tells us otherwise.
There may be days when your prayer is lengthy and full of words. There may be other days when all you can say is, “Lord, help me.” There may even be times when you sit quietly before God because you cannot put your burden into words.
That does not mean God has stopped listening. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.
And immediately after this promise comes another familiar verse: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Notice that Paul does not say that all things are good. Some things that happen in this life are painful and heartbreaking. Rather, he says that God works all things together for good according to His purpose.
That means we can trust God even when we cannot understand what He is doing. You may not know why a particular door closed. You may not understand why a prayer seems unanswered.
You may not see how a painful circumstance could possibly serve any good purpose. But God's perspective is greater than ours.
- We see one moment. He sees the whole story.
- We see the difficulty. He sees what He is accomplishing through it.
And when we cannot pray as we ought, the Holy Spirit is still helping us.
Life Application
When you don't know what to pray, pray anyway. You do not need impressive words.
Tell God honestly what you are feeling. Bring Him your fear, your confusion, your sorrow, your questions, and your hopes.
Then surrender the outcome to Him.
You can pray: “Father, I don't understand this. I don't know what to ask for. But You know what I need, and I trust You.”
That is a prayer of faith. And when words fail completely, remember that your relationship with God does not depend upon the eloquence of your prayers.
The Holy Spirit helps you. So don't withdraw from God when you are hurting. Draw closer to Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You that You understand me even when I cannot find the words to pray. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who helps me in my weakness.
When I am confused, give me wisdom. When I am afraid, give me peace. When I am hurting, give me strength. When I do not know what to ask for, help me trust Your wisdom and Your will.
Help me remember that You are working even when I cannot see what You are doing. Teach me to trust You with the things I cannot control.
Thank You that I never have to face my weakness alone. Help me draw closer to You in every circumstance.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
