And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words.

Romans 8:26 NLT

And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

Romans 8:27 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.27.NLT

It’s ok to say it. “I have weaknesses in my life.” It’s ok to admit it. “I don’t know what God wants me to pray for.” It’s ok to declare it. “I need help.”

Weakness is something I tend to hide or minimize. I don’t like to reveal shortcomings or vulnerabilities. Yet, I, along with everyone else, fall far short of human perfection. God understands this about us. He’s not hung up on it. In fact, God comes alongside and simply says, “Here, let me help.” 

Knowing what to pray for is a real challenge. Often, what I think the issue is, isn’t. It ends up being something completely different than I perceived. For example, harsh words spoken create the response of immediate correction.  Underneath harsh words are often a boatload of trauma and hurt of which I do not see. It is hard to pray for that which you do not understand. God comes alongside and simply says, “Here, let me help you in praying according to what I see.”

I do not like to admit my own need for help. How about you? Life experience has shown me that the sooner I seek help, the better. As a follower of Jesus, I have been given the very best kind of help. The Spirit of God, better known as the Holy Spirit.

This is the same Holy Spirit that was part of raising Jesus from the dead. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. God’s Spirit comforts us. God’s Spirit identifies with our spirit to let us know the love and justice of God.

So when Paul writes, “…but the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words….the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will”  I am so thankful for this level of help and intercession.

Encouragement: Remember that the Holy Spirit is interceding for you today. The intercession is in response to how God sees our life. Pray honestly. Confess your need for help. Know that help is here.

Dear Holy Spirit,

Thank You for praying to God the Father for me.  Thank You for praying God’s will for my life on my behalf.  Thank You for working with my weaknesses, lack of understanding, and my resistance to seek help. I do need help. I need Your help.  

In Jesus name,

Amen

-Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center