Sermon on Romans 8:26 | by Father.Mungamuri Devadasu

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." — Romans 8:26

Explanation:

a) The Spirit is a part of the Trinity. That is why, in the Telugu Bible, it is written with a capital letter and includes the suffix 'డు'. Believers have weaknesses, and at times, they may struggle to pray.

b) What does weakness mean? It refers to times when suffering is overwhelming, when prayer feels impossible, or when answers to prayers are delayed, leading to discouragement. In such moments, one may feel like giving up on prayer altogether. However, we must push ourselves to pray, even when it is difficult. If we cannot, we should simply remain in God’s presence. When we do, the Spirit sees our weakness and intercedes on our behalf.

c) What does ‘help’ mean?
A person of prayer must do what they are capable of, and then the Spirit will provide assistance. Even the greatest prayer warriors experience spiritual dryness at times. In such moments, one may feel, "I wish someone could help me right now." Human help can be useful to some extent, but the help of the Spirit is far greater.

d) What does ‘proper’ mean?
Praying with a discerning mind and using the right words is considered proper prayer. It is important to avoid unnecessary words, especially words of frustration and discouragement.

e) What does ‘groanings that cannot be uttered’ mean?
When someone groans, it is difficult to put it into words. Groaning is an expression that comes from the depths of the heart.

1) What does intercession mean?
Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf. Because of His intercession, the things that need to be fulfilled in our lives come to pass. A person of prayer should not claim, "This happened because of my prayer alone." Many others may have also prayed for the same cause. The prayer made on behalf of someone else is called intercessory prayer.

While Christ intercedes in heaven, the Holy Spirit intercedes from within us here on earth. The Lord’s intercession is direct, while the Spirit’s intercession is a helping prayer. This divine arrangement—Christ interceding at the throne and the Spirit interceding within us—is designed to ensure that our prayers are answered.

For those who do not know how to pray at all, the Lord Himself prays for them. For those who have some experience in prayer, the Holy Spirit helps them. The prayer made by the Spirit is also an intercessory prayer. Since we have two intercessors—Christ and the Holy Spirit—how blessed we are! Therefore, we must not be negligent or discouraged.

When we pray for a specific request, sometimes answers may not come immediately. In such situations, rather than being disheartened, we should understand that the Spirit may be leading us to pray for something else instead.

It is like a clerk's desk with four petitions placed before an officer. The assistant standing beside him may hand over the third petition first, directing the officer’s attention to it. Similarly, the Holy Spirit presents certain prayers to the Lord as intercessions.

An Illustration:

A woman, while on her deathbed, looks toward her son. The priest and others around her are praying, but she is unable to join in their prayers. She cannot even recall the words the priest had spoken earlier.

This is an example of weakness—a state where a person is unable to pray or engage spiritually due to their condition. In such moments, great help is provided. This verse is especially meant for those who find themselves in such situations.