Intercede

"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

One of my favorite verses!!!

I believe I have shared this story before, but I will always remember my father-in-law's sermon on this very verse.  My husband and I were dating seriously, but not yet engaged.  Once we knew we were put together by God's hand, we began attending church together...his parent's one week and mine the next.  His father preached a wonderful sermon about prayer that included this very verse.  I remember it so distinctly because he talked about always praying for his boys everyday (my husband and his brother), but he also talked about adding me to his daily prayers.  (Yay! I was liked and prayed for!)  I remember having the biggest smile on my face as he preached that sermon.  

The verse has stuck with me ever since and so having the chance to map it is awesome!

1.  “Likewise” – Also or in addition to…meaning the verse before was of importance and so is this one…Romans 8:25 “But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

2.  “the Spirit” - The Holy Spirit that lives inside of us and is a real Person there to help us! (“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” John 14:16 – emphasis mine)

3. “also helpeth our infirmities” – the Holy Spirit is there for us…helping us through anything, even our weaknesses and temptations

4. “for we know not what we should pray for as we ought” – when we are stressed to the max; when we are at our lowest; when we can’t find the words; when we may only be able to just ask for help, or maybe not even able to think of words and prayers at all; when only cries may escape our lips; when sentences cannot be formed; when we feel like we might not make it anymore; when we just don’t know what to do but sit at the Lord’s feet and cry

5. “but the Spirit itself maketh intersession for us” – He is there to pray for us; He is there to pray with us; He takes my place when I can’t  pray and He is there to ask of the heavenly Father to do what is best for me; He loves us enough to stand by us even at our lowest point and intercede for us when we need it most!

6.  “with groanings which cannot be uttered” – He speaks for us with “groanings too deep for words” (ESV)  We do not know what He is saying, but He is groaning with and for us.  We may be groaning in pain and He will be groaning to God on our behalf!

Isn’t it so comforting to know we have the Holy Spirit on our side, always guiding us (John 16:13b “he will guide you into all truth”), praying for us, groaning for us, helping us through every trial, strengthening us, and loving us no matter what!  Just as Jesus took our punishment the Holy Spirit can take our burdens and speak on our behalf when we can’t speak ourselves.

Today’s Verse

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” Ephesians 6:18a

He is the Comforter, and He can and will comfort us in our times of stress…we just have to surrender our burdens to Him.