“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. 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“
Romans 8:26–27

–

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives? The often neglected third person of the Trinity certainly has many, but here Paul calls attention to the Spirit’s most comforting role: helper. Just as our hope for glory sustains us, so “the Spirit helps us in our weakness.” This help is quite necessary, for without it we would not know what to pray for! This calls us to remember that our perseverance rests on the grace of God and God alone. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, we continue to be dead in sin.

John Calvin, commenting on verse 26, writes, “the assistance of the Spirit [is] abundantly sufficient to overcome all their difficulties. Let none complain of bearing the cross as above their powers, since we are supplied with heavenly assistance and strength.”1

Do not misunderstand Calvin here. Many are certainly burdened with great sufferings in this life. But for the Christian, the help of the indwelling Spirit is sufficient. Our helper “intercedes for us through wordless groans.” What does this mean? It means that when we neglect to pray, or when we pray contrary to the will of God, or even when we don’t know what to pray for because the weight of grief and despair is laid heavily upon us, the Spirit prays. The Spirit intercedes on behalf of our deepest hearts “in accordance with the will of God.”

To the Christian who is deep in the valley of shadow—where whispers of death permeate the dark wood and the glimmer of hope has seemed to fade—you have every reason take heart. For your heavenly Father searches your innermost being and listens to the “wordless groans” made on your behalf by the Holy Spirit.

1 Calvin, John. 2022. John Calvin: Commentary on Romans. Edited by Timothy George. Theological Foundations. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  •  Is it a comfort to you that the Spirit, the Comforter, intercedes for you?
  • How can you remember and lean on this truth in the days to come?

Church Reading Plan: Ecclesiastes 4; 1 Timothy 6