2026 Pentecost Devotions I
Tuesday, July 21
Romans 8:26-30
26 The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
“… 26 The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words …”
This is one of my favorite passages to quote when I’m talking to someone about prayer.
Typically, folks will tell me that they don’t know how to pray. While there is obvious truth in their statement, it often comes when they seek to compare their prayers with an accomplished “pray-er”. Such people often have a gift for praying, and their words and phrases are acutely concise, beautifully constructed, and highly emotive. I envy such people.
However, when we seek to compare our method of praying with such individuals, we often feel like we’re coming up short. Hence, many are reluctant to pray.
That’s where Paul’s message come into play. No matter the prayer, not only is God listening but the Spirit is interceding on our behalf. We may not be able to construct that concise, beautiful, and emotive prayer but our offering is heard by the Lord as interpreted by the Spirit. In other words, while we may not have the gift of prayer, what we seek to say, what we are offering to the Lord, is not only received but heard with its intention and love.
Taking the time to pray – to put into words no matter how they may sound to us – is our best means of communicating with the Lord. Knowing that God hears not only our words but the hearts and Spirit behind them encourages us to continually offer our prayers to God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for always hearing our prayers as our hearts intend despite our inability to form the right thoughts or words. Amen.