How Does the Spirit Intercede for Us?
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 through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Romans 8:26–29
Sometimes we think we need to have eloquent prayers to be heard by God. Not true. Our best prayers are often, “Help!” or “I’m confused,” or “I’m afraid.” The apostle Paul reminds us that prayer can even be without proper words. The Spirit of God within us intercedes for us with “wordless groans.”
God sees us. He knows us. He discerns what we’re worried about. When life is overwhelming and we have no words to describe what we’re going through, or trauma steals our voice and we don’t even know what to ask for, we can still hope. Why? Because God already knows. He loves us enough to communicate for us when words fail. He loves with abandon.
No matter what circumstance is giving you anxiety today, Paul reminds us that during those groaning prayers, God is at work. He will take what we see as failure or duress or brokenness and, eventually, make something beautiful from each difficult situation. He does this for his glory and our good.
Because of that, we have hope. God loves to take impossible situations and do something redemptive through them. Even when we can’t verbalize our need, he is already working.
Reflect and Pray
When has God answered an unspoken prayer of yours? What happened? What did you learn about God through that situation?
Lord, thank you that even when I don’t know how to pray, or my words get caught in my throat, your Spirit is interceding for me. I trust that you will bring good from every mess in my life. Amen.
Drawn from the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible.
NIV Radiant Virtues Bible
The NIV Radiant Virtues Bible invites you to discover how the themes of faith, hope and love are woven through both the stories of the Bible and your own life. Features Scripture verse art, journaling prompts and wide lined margins for your own reflections.
Learn More
Very interesting and educational.
This has come to me at the right time.
Me too! Very timely word! Praise God
I like how the spirit can intercede on our behalf.
I enjoy reading these Bible notes.
Thanks for helping me understand the Word of God so easily. It is helping me a lot and is interesting.
Thanks for the help through the word of God.
The Holy Spirit plays a big role in our lives, Helper, Intercessor, Comforter. Thank you for this eye opener.
I love the way the Holy Spirit leads and directs my daily steps.
I find comfort in the Holy Spirit every time I fail to utter words to the Lord because I know He’s interceding on my behalf and He’ll voice out the unspoken words from inside my heart.
Holy Spirit, please intercede every time I pray 🙏. I need You now more than ever.
Thanks for sharing
This is a big help right now because I’m in a situation where I don’t properly know how to pray for my friends. Only the spirit knows how to pray. I love and honor you alone, my King.
This is food for the soul. It sets my mind on God. Thanks and glory be to God.
So life transforming.
This has been really helpful.
Thank you for the word. God answers prayers. There is nothing impossible for him. Just trust and believe in him.
I thank God for the NIV. It helps me with my faith and learning the word of God!!🙏🙏
Thank you Holy Spirit.
Having a reminder that God gave us a spirit to intercede on our behalf is awesome. There are times when we are dealing with one of life’s curveballs and find ourselves devastated and speechless. God created the holy spirit to stand in the gap and pray for us. The spirit knows what exactly what to say! Just look at our amazing God!!! Thank you Heavenly Father!
Jehovah is King. Praise and glory to God.
Very helpful and comforting.
I am still new in the Word and love this. Will read more. 50+ years very active Catholic. I have heard most of the Bible but studied little. Now loving the deep dive into His Word and ongoing prayer (without ceasing as Paul implored us).
Amen and amen. He is all knowing God. He knows the intent of every heart. Thank God for the holy spirit.
A great insight into the understanding of the word.
Amen and amen!
I was just thinking about if I am praying the right way. Then a couple minutes later I check my email and this article came up. Thank you Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus Christ.
When I am at a loss and I can’t seem to get the words out, I know that the Holy Spirit is with me and God is bending over to listen. Thank you, Lord.
God is awesome. He cares for His people when He sent the Holy Spirit to live with us.
I have found these words to be very encouraging and helpful in strengthening my faith and my quiet time with God. I don’t always knows what to say but I know God knows my needs even before I ask. I completely rely on him, as I know He will always direct my thoughts as I try to spend more time with Him. Sometimes I feel sad and cry out to Him, especially with family needs, but His words reminds me that He always hears my prayers, and that He will answer in His own time. He’s promised He will never leave us or forsake us!!! Amen.
I love the Holy Spirit. He is my guide teacher and helper. He is my rest.Thank you for the depth of the word.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the Holy Spirit always being around me in times of trouble and resolving my problems. Praise the Lord.
Am glad to know that even when I lack words of prayer, the Spirit intercedes for me.
The Holy Spirit enables the believer to overcome his flesh and guides him throughout his life.
Our church sermon was on the Holy Spirit on Sunday. Today’s reading was a nice reinforcement. Thank You.
Thank you Lord for everything. 🙏🙏🙏
Very helpful and encouraging.
Recently, I have been practicing speaking in tongues for 1 hour. I find today’s devotion to be so helpful. 🙏🏻😇
I have understood that God knows us even at times when we don’t know what to say.
Thank you Jesus! The Holy Spirit is our leader.
The spirit of God is with me. Glory be to God. Amen.
Thank you, Father. Even when I don’t know how to pray, I know the Holy Spirit intercedes for me. I trust you and please teach me to love you and follow you.
This was exactly what I needed to hear.
Thank you, God for your love and for sending us The Holy Spirit to come and assist us. May your name be praised all the time.
So helpful. I’m grateful.
Blessings for all this information. Amen