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. - Romans 8:26-27 

There are times in our lives when we just don’t know how to pray. Our emotions are raw, we are overwhelmed by issues we face, and our situation may seem to be impossible. If you have ever suffered from depression, you know what I mean. In times of grief or uncertainty, sometimes we just cannot form the words or the thoughts. All we feel is pain or fear. In our weakness we feel powerless, even to talk to God. All of us have times like that, when hope is scarce and we are tired.

This passage is truly amazing. We are taught that we need to pray on a regular basis, but what do we do when we don’t have the strength to pray? What is amazing, is that our God actually prays for us all the time. You see, the Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity along with the Father and Jesus. These three are actually one, which boggles the mind. But it is the Holy Spirit that is sent to reside within us when we come to Christ, so we have a member of the Godhead who lives within our hearts. 

And the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with the Father. And the Father is one with the Holy Spirit, so He understands the intercession of the Holy Spirit, who understands us completely. Even when we don’t understand ourselves. Not only that, but in His intercessions, he prays for us “in accordance with the will of God.” When we don’t know the will of God, He does, and that is how He prays for us. 

Almost all religions teach that one should pray to their God. But only one has a God who prays for us. That is how much God loves us, cares about us and sympathizes with our situation. He knows us because He lives in us. The Father knows the Holy Spirit, because He is also God. So in all situations, whether we can verbalize it or not, the Holy Spirit is lifting us up in prayer to the Father.

The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, hopeless or at a loss, thank the Father that the Holy Spirit is praying for you. He is praying with knowledge of God’s will that you may not know. And be sure that the Father hears the Holy Spirit, who is also God (three in one: The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit). Be confident that the Holy Spirit is praying for you. You are not alone.

Father, there are times that I don’t know how to pray. There are times when I am overwhelmed by life. Thank you, that in every situation, I can be sure that the Holy Spirit is interceding for me with the Father. And thank you that I can trust His prayers, because He prays for “God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Amen.