November 13
The Spirit
Intercedes for Us
Romans 8:26
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.
Daily Steps
Having learned about the Holy Spirit's role in guidance (Day 310), conviction (Day 313), and empowerment (Day 318), the new believer is now introduced to His ultimate comforting work: intercession. This verse assures us that even when our prayers fail due to weakness, the Holy Spirit steps in, acting as our divine intercessor and perfecting our communication with Abba, Father (Day 315).
The peace in this principle is found in perfect prayer:
The Acknowledged Weakness: Paul is honest about our limitations: The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for. Even the most mature believer struggles with knowing God's will and expressing their deepest needs. This removes the pressure to have perfect prayers or to fear praying incorrectly.
The Spirit's Active Help: The solution is the Spirit's active help. He takes over where our human frailty ends. He intercedes for us—He pleads on our behalf directly to God. This perfectly aligns with His role as our Advocate (Day 310).
The Perfection of Prayer: The Spirit intercedes through wordless groans. These are deep, inexpressible prayers that perfectly capture our need and align with the will of God, ensuring that even our silent longings are heard and understood by the Father. This secures our intimate relationship (Day 315) and eternal security (Day 297).
Your peace is secured by perfect prayer. Embrace The Work of the Holy Spirit today by praying with confidence, knowing that when you feel the most weak, the Holy Spirit is praying for you with perfect wisdom (Day 297). Rest in His divine intercession.
Reflective Question
When you feel overwhelmed by a situation, do you stop praying because you don't know what to ask for? How can the assurance that the Spirit himself intercedes for us empower you to keep praying, even if it is only through "wordless groans"?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess my weakness in prayer and my frustration when I do not know what I ought to pray for. I thank You for the Holy Spirit who so lovingly helps us and intercedes for us. I pray for the grace to simply yield to His movement in my heart. Secure my peace today in this perfect prayer, knowing that my needs are being expressed perfectly through the continuous Work of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
