Praying In The Spirit: The Moanings And Groanings Of Intercession

Main Idea: Praying in the Spirit goes beyond words—it is a deep, heartfelt intercession led by the Holy Ghost. The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, praying on our behalf according to God's perfect will, moving us from intellectual understanding to spiritual travail that aligns with God's heart.

Now let us get deeper into the heart of God in this matter.

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:...

The Holy Ghost will assist (help, or co-operate with) our attempt to obtain a thing from the Father.

• Infirmities are weaknesses regarding the knowledge of things happening now or in the future.

We know not what we should pray for… We are ignorant of these unknown things.

with groanings which cannot be uttered…

To pray inaudibly, to make sounds that are not discernable as a language. These granings are sounds made from the impression the Holy Spirit makes on our soul as we allow him to pray.

We are not able to even speak the words that he is speaking to the Father. Thus we get the phrase: “cannot be uttered,” which simply means “unable to be articulated.”

WORSHIP IN THE SPIRIT

I also want to take the time here to explain the difference between worship in the Spirit as opposed to praying in the Spirit. The verses below take our focus to speaking or praying in an unknown tongue in a church service.

1 Corinthians 14:13-15

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

This is our first clue as to the intent of Paul here. He is describing a worship service in which members of the congregation are worshipping in or with the Spirit, giving thanks and praises to God.

This is different from the Holy Spirit making intercession personally for you.

Secondarily, there is no earthly interpretation for private, personal intercession of the Holy Spirit. The words that He speaks in intercession for us as individuals, are impossible to be uttered. Therefore, it is impossible to interpret.

So to pray in the Spirit in the verses above is to simply worship God in a language other than your own. It is a language that is unknown to you; but that can be interpreted with the gift of interpretation. This is not so with the Holy Spirit’s intercession for us.

Romans 8:27

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit knows the mind of God regarding all things that pertain to us. Therefore His prayer is met without resistance; because He always prays inside the will of God for our lives.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Because the Holy Spirit is praying for us, we can know that all things that transpire after that, are working together for our good.

1 Corinthians 14:15

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

When you pray with your understanding—meaning in your own language—you are fully aware of what you are saying. However, praying with your understanding also takes you to that place in your soul that recalls your deepest longings and pleadings:

• To know God
• To reach God
• To receive His mercy
• To acknowledge that only God can provide what you truly need.

The remembrance of these things—and the emotions you felt as you sought the Lord for yourself—will stir love and compassion for those you are petitioning God for.

The question is: How does one move from praying with understanding to praying in the Spirit?

The answer lies in examining the posture of your prayer:

• Are you praying with and from your heart? “My soul pants after Thee.”
• What is the posture of your heart?
• If you are praying for souls, do you feel their infirmities as you intercede for them?
• Do you sense their captivity, hopelessness, despair, and fear?

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus is able to make intercession for us because He is touched by our infirmities. We must do the same for those whom we pray for.

I Love You,

Mary Banks.