²⁶ In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. ²⁷ And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Unspoken Groanings

There are times when even I am speechless.  There are times when I simply have nothing to say, but I still communicate.  You can read my face.  You can see my eyes light up, or you can see my frown.  When words fail me, you still know how I feel or what I am thinking.

The Holy Spirit is the means of communication when we get lost in prayer.  Does this mean that we speak in tongues?  It can’t mean that because Paul says in 1 Corinthians that some speak in tongues, but this describes an experience for all.  The communication here is that God-focused children are able to communicate because the Spirit communicates heart to heart. He knows us and he knows the Father, so we need not worry that we have said exactly the right words or prayed in the right way.

Prayer

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Questions

1. Who helps in our weakness?
2. How does he help?
3. Why would some people think these verses relate to tongues?
4. When have you prayed through the groans of the Spirit?  How is it?
5. How does the Holy Spirit become central to prayer?