26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27
Think about a time when you knew others were praying for you. Knowing that someone cared enough to take time out of their busy day to bring you and your circumstances before the Father is so kind. It offers comfort, encouragement, and support and evokes feelings of gratitude and humility. This person invested in your journey and your well-being.
Now, think about a time when you prayed for someone else. You did this because you wanted them to know they were seen, valued, and not forgotten. You chose to come alongside them, even if only through prayer, and carry their needs before the Father.
Intercession is when a person prays, petitions, or pleads on behalf of another person. The Bible offers many examples. One of them is in the Book of Nehemiah. A remnant of Jews had returned to Jerusalem after their Babylonian exile only to find the city walls broken down. Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed day and night for months, confessing Israel's sins and asking for mercy and favor. As a result, God granted Nehemiah favor with the king, who let him return to Jerusalem and provided official letters for safe travel. Nehemiah led the people to rebuild the walls in 52 days.
Have you ever wanted to pray but just didn’t know what to say or how to say it? Maybe you were overwhelmed by a situation, unsure what to ask for, or simply didn’t know how to express what you were feeling. Romans 8:26 tells us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we do not know what to pray.
The Holy Spirit lives within us, so He knows us. He understands our circumstances and needs. At the same time, the Spirit knows God’s purpose and His divine will. We don’t have to depend only on our own knowledge or ability. We don’t need perfect words or to understand every situation before we go to God. We don’t have to figure everything out on our own. The Spirit is a source of guidance and strength, always available to us. He helps us pray beyond our natural understanding, interceding for us and helping us align our lives with God’s perfect will.
What does the Spirit pray for us? Romans 8:26 tells us that the Spirit asks for things we do not know how to ask for. It says the Spirit asks for things that we do not know how to ask for because of our weaknesses. And it confirms that He asks for things according to God’s will for us.
When the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, He initiates and carries our prayers before the Father. Romans 8 describes this as "groanings too deep for words." In other words, the Spirit understands our deepest needs and brings them before God, even when we cannot put them into words.
Jesus prayed for all believers in John 17, and the Holy Spirit carries on this work. He stands in the gap to pray, plead, and negotiate for each of us. What a gift to know that we have an advocate with the Father.
Call to Action
What area of life do you need the Holy Spirit to intercede with you on?
How does it feel to know the Holy Spirit helps you when you don't have the words to pray?
Who in your life needs someone to stand in the gap for them right now?
Digging Deeper
Read these passages for other examples of intercession in the Bible:
Abraham: Genesis 18:22–33
Moses: Exodus 32:11–14, 31–32
Samuel: 1 Samuel 7:5–9, 1 Samuel 15:11
Daniel: Daniel 9:3–19
Esther: Esther 4:15–16, 7:3
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You for helping me when I am weak and when I don’t know what to pray. Thank You for knowing my heart and interceding for me according to God’s will. Help me trust You, come to the Father honestly, and rest in the assurance that I am never alone.
Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens