When the Holy Spirit Prays

…the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 

Romans 8:19 CSV

I enjoy sunsets from a pink chair in the shade of an ancient Pine. I prop my feet up on rusty barbed wire that runs straight through that tree. A deep gash spans ten feet up the side of this warrior Pine—damage from a lightning strike. Even though the wound is deep, bark has grown over it allowing the tree to survive. Nevertheless, I sense the tree’s groaning from the wound and the wires. Paul sensed this also when he wrote that creation will one day be set free from the bondage of corruption. Until then, all creation is “groaning together with labor pains” (Romans 8:22 CSV).

It’s in this same context of groaning that we learn how the Holy Spirit prays. It’s quite different from our prayers. He’s praying from somewhere deep within as He observes our frailty and vulnerabilities. He’s not limited by words. Only groanings will do, but not just any groanings. These groaning prayers are requesting God’s perfect will for our lives. God understands and answers these prayers in ways we’ll only truly understand when we see Him face-to-face. Until then, we can trust and rest in this dimension of God’s care for us through His Holy Spirit.  

…but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27 CSV).

It’s in this glorious framework that we come to another truth. “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God; those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). The Holy Spirit interprets our deepest needs to God. He’s the One who can answer His prayers by working those specific circumstances out for our good and His glory. Take a deep breathe, relax in this truth and smile! You might even want to enjoy a little nap or a restful night’s sleep as you leave it all in God’s hands.

Linda Les