“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 for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” – Romans 8:26-27
Romans 8:26 reminds us that “the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Scripture doesn’t say the Spirit itself—it says Himself. He is not a force or a feeling. He is a person—the third person of the Trinity—God Himself. And He helps us. Not vaguely or generally, but with help that “exactly corresponds to the need.” When we are burdened, confused, or too weak to pray, the Holy Spirit steps in and carries the heavier end of the load. Just as a seasoned ox would bear the weight while training a younger one, Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you… For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29–30). The Spirit’s ministry is not just emotional—it’s essential. He intercedes, He groans, and He works within us every day from the moment we are saved until the day we are glorified.
Jesus knew His physical departure would shake His disciples, so He promised another Helper—One of the same nature (John 14:16–18). The Holy Spirit is not a substitute; He is the continuation of God’s presence. He doesn’t just visit us—He dwells in us. And when we don’t know what to pray, when our words fail and our hearts ache, He groans on our behalf. These groanings are not tongues or emotional outbursts—they are divine intercessions too deep for words. God the Father, who searches the heart (Jeremiah 17:10), understands the Spirit’s groanings perfectly. This is the internal work of God in the life of every believer. It’s not occasional—it’s continual. And it’s not based on our strength—it’s rooted in His faithfulness. We are “kept by the power of God through faith” (1 Peter 1:5), not by our own efforts.
Nurture your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Don’t treat Him like a stranger in your own house. He is the One who keeps you, teaches you, and intercedes for you. He is the dowry of heaven—the guarantee of all that’s waiting for you in Christ. Just as Rebekah received tokens of Isaac’s wealth and was led by the servant to her bridegroom, so the Holy Spirit is leading you to Jesus. He is your Comforter, your Helper, your Keeper. Thank Him. Talk to Him. Lean on Him. And when life feels too heavy, remember—He is carrying the weight. You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are being kept, every step of the way.
“The Holy Spirit’s intercession is not a substitute for ours, but rather comes to our aid when we are baffled by the perplexities of prayer and don’t know what to say. He identifies with our groans, with our anguish, and translates our incoherent prayers into the language of heaven.” – John Stott
surrendered devotions 