Romans 8:26-27

Scripture Verse

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. ²⁷ 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.

The Holy Spirit, Our Advocate and Helper

In John 14:16, Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an advocate as one who pleads the cause of another person before a tribunal or judicial court. Isn’t it amazing to have the Holy Spirit as our Advocate and Helper—in every need, big or small?

There are seasons in our lives when our pain and suffering feel prolonged, our situation seems impossible and hopeless, and our problems are so complex that we don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes we don’t even know what to pray for—no words come out when we pray. In these seasons, it can feel as if heaven is silent. Yet Romans 8:26 assures us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us through “wordless groans.”

Have you experienced being very disappointed because your prayers seemed to go unanswered? You wait and you hear nothing. Then the answer comes—and it is not what you hoped for. Years later, only in hindsight, you realize that God has answered your prayer—not according to what you asked for, but according to God’s will (Romans 8:27).

Twelve years ago, my husband Greg and I were negotiating with my employer not to relocate to Switzerland. I thought I could do my job remotely from Singapore, and that we were better off continuing to live there. My employer simply said no. We dragged our feet in coming here, not realizing that God wanted to bless us through our relocation to Switzerland. Looking back, our lives have been enriched through our experience living and working in Switzerland, and by being active members of IPC.

There was one occasion—just once—when Greg and I were driving with Pastor Mark and Lynn. As we were on the road, they shared that looking into the future is like looking out through a car windshield—we can only see so much. With hindsight—like checking the side mirrors—we begin to see how God’s will has guided our life journey. That picture helps me when I feel unsure: I may not see the full road ahead, but God does—and his Spirit helps me trust him, even when the future seems uncertain and I cannot find the words to pray.

Prayer:
Father God, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit, our Advocate, to help us and be with us forever. Thank you that you have a plan for us, a plan to give us hope and a future. At times when we groan and do not know what to do or what to pray for, help us to trust in your faithfulness and promises. In Jesus’ name. Amen.