Romans 8:26-27
What is written? (ESV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
What does it say?
We [Christians] do not know how to pray as we ought. Therefore, the Holy Spirit helps in this weakness by amending our prayers with “inexpressible groanings” that are deeper than [human] words. God, the Father, searches all hearts/minds of course knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit is doing this intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
What is its immediate context?
Paul emphasizes the Christian’s relationship to the Holy Spirit throughout the entire chapter for those who are “in Christ Jesus” (vs 1). Contrasting with the flesh, some of the points made about this relationship include:
- the law of the life-giving Spirit set us free,
- we are to walk according to the Spirit,
- outlook should be shaped by the Spirit — an outlook that is life and peace and submitting to the law of God,
- made alive by the Spirit living in us,
- those led by the Spirit are sons of God.
How Romans 8:26-27 is applied across Bible answers
Are God’s word and the Holy Spirit the same thing?
The Holy Spirit, who is expressing things inexpressible by mere mortals through their prayers, is the person of the Godhead doing a distinct work or action for the Christian. The "mind of the Spirit" - just a portion of the Holy Spirit as a being - is equated to "the will of God" (e.g. God's word).
Top 10: Passages that must be reconciled before concluding that the Holy Spirit indwells representatively through the Word?
The Spirit helps us in our weakness -- this is specifically the Spirit's work -- and He performs it "according to the will" of the Father (eg His word).
Effectively, the same point is being made by Paul to the Philippians.8
What does it mean to pray in the Spirit?
The Holy Spirit helps those "in Christ" to pray since they don't know how to express the things needed spiritually.
What does the Holy Spirit do for the Christian today?
The Holy Spirit intercedes in our prayers to express needs we are unable to express ourselves. We also find many facts about the Holy Spirit, not necessarily answering the question of what He is doing today, but important facts nonetheless.
