You Have a Prayer Partner
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we
should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession or us with
groaning’s which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26 NKJV
Tell me, has there ever been a time when you faced a difficult situation and didn’t know what to pray for or how to pray? Have you ever had more tears than words? Perhaps you had more questions than scriptures. Have you ever gone through something so heart-wrenching that you just pleaded with God, “I don’t know where to start or what to say. Please help me!”
Today’s passage of scripture reminds us that we have a prayer partner who helps us in our time of weakness, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. No matter the weakness, we don’t have to face it alone. There is not one situation we could experience whereby the Holy Spirit is not making Himself available to assist us. Paul is making the point that we all get weak at some point, which is why we need to pray.
The term “helps” appears in today’s scripture and the New Testament. Someone is carrying a considerable weight, and another person comes alongside to take the other end of the load and share the burden with him. The word “help” is also used in Luke 10:40, when Jesus visits Mary and Martha. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, but Martha was preoccupied with her preparations. “Lord, do You not care thatmy sister has abandoned me to do all the serving?” she exclaimed. Then tell her to help me.” She wanted her sister to share the responsibility of dinner preparation and serving.
The term emphasizes that the Holy Spirit does not do everything while we do nothing. Instead, we are to continue praying and, if necessary, working or obeying or doing whatever the Bible instructs us to do in our situation. But the Spirit urges us when we pray, “Let Me hold the other end. Allow me to assist you by lifting your load and bringing it before the seat of the Father. When you don’t know what to pray for, I do.” So, the Spirit assists us by praying for us in our times of need. What a source of inspiration!
Have you ever driven by a car accident or had someone share unfathomable news with you? Many times, you may not know how to begin praying for these situations. According to this scripture, it’s unclear “what” kind of prayers we should offer. Our understanding of the situation we’re praying for is limited; we are unaware of critical factors. When we’re on our own, it’s impossible to get the whole picture. We lack the expertise to handle every conceivable aspect of this circumstance, together with all the difficulties and obstacles it may provide. However, the Holy Spirit knows what is necessary.
Lastly, “The Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings that are too deep for words,” the Bible concludes. A groan is an unspoken expression of distress or agony. When the groanings God causes in our hearts are inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit, the ultimate aim of the Kingdom is realized. God is praised because the Father listens to and carries out the requests of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, who is everywhere and knows everything, can intercede on our behalf for things our human intellect cannot perceive.
Reflect
Have you yielded to the Holy Spirit in your heart so that He can help you in your prayer life? Do you know what it means to pray in the Spirit or tongues? If not, contact us at wecare@linkedupnorth.com, and we can assist you.
Prayer
Father, Your plan for my life, career, business, and all the desires You have given me are understood better by the Holy Spirit than by me. As a result of His insight, He is familiar with my most private thoughts and feelings. I confess that when I pray about my life and my future, the Holy Spirit shows me exactly what I need to know. In Jesus’ name.
Upcoming Connect 21 Events
- Saturday Morning Prayer (Jan 14th @ 9 am at The Way UMC – Latimer Hall)
- Sunday Morning Service (Jan 15th @ 10 am at River Ridge High School)