“…the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will” (Roman 8:26-27)
And how are we to pray? One response is that as Jesus taught us: The Our Father. St. Paul knew that, so I suspect he had more in mind – after all the Holy Spirit had been given to the Church. St. Paul reminds us that, just as Jesus promised, we are not alone. We have a divine prayer partner. Let me suggest at least six ways the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.
The Holy Spirit prays for us in a power beyond us. We might run out of spiritual gas, but the Holy Spirit will keep going. When you fall asleep, are too weak, or just emotionally exhausted, the Spirit of God steps in and gives you the strength you need to continue in prayer.
The Holy Spirit prays for us with wisdom beyond us. Do you ever feel like you have no idea what you are doing when it comes to prayer? Sometimes our lives seem completely random and chaotic, we don’t even know where to start or for what to pray. The Spirit walks beside us and whispers the wisdom we need.
The Holy Spirit prays for us in mercy beyond us. One of the real kryptonites of Christian people is this nagging sense “we are not worthy.” Although Satan would like us to buy into that whisper, the Spirit ever shouts: mercy and grace are ever yours. The Spirit there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ! (Romans 8:1)
The Holy Spirit prays for us with a connection beyond us. “What shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35) The Holy Spirit is God; a part of the Trinity possessing a connection beyond what we can imagine. Nothing can separate us from the Father because the Spirit is that bond.
The Holy Spirit prays for us with God’s will beyond all understanding. It is just as Scripture says: the Spirit “…intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.” It is hardwired.
The Holy Spirit prays for us with love beyond all telling. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39) The Spirit will always love us and nothing can separate us from His love. It is with this love the Spirit speaks to the Father on our behalf.
So, when you are dry, empty, and haven’t a clue what to say or how to pray…. show up, because the Holy Spirit already has. The Spirit has your back.