Today's Verse: Romans 8:26-27

Wednesday, March 28, 2001

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
— Romans 8:26-27
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Most of us will face very difficult circumstances at some time in our lives. When we do, we will likely feel that our prayers just bounce off the ceiling. Our words will feel empty and useless. We can't seem to verbalize what is on our hearts. We feel like our words are ineffective and insufficient. So what do we do? We trust this promise in these verses. We go to God in prayer. We aim our hearts toward heaven. Even when we don't have words to say, we offer our hearts to him, trusting that the Holy Spirit takes those thoughts, emotions, and inarticulate frustrations to God. The Spirit makes our hearts known to God, interceding for us according to God's will. Even when we don't have words, the Spirit makes our needs known. What a tremendous reassuring grace!

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Abba Father, it is so comforting to know that my words, thoughts, and emotions are all presented to you through your Holy Spirit. Father, there are times when I feel inadequate and unworthy to approach you, my words insufficient to speak the burdens and wounds in my heart. Thank you for the assurance that you will always hear me because of the Holy Spirit, even when I can't find the right words to say. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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30 Related Resources by Heartlight

Grace Even in the Asking
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[T]he Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who..."
Romans 8:26-27
Devo: Today's Verse
"In the same way [as the Spirit blesses us in so many ways in our lives], the Spirit [also] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for,....."
The Holy Spirit Helps Our Prayers
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with..."
The Universal Translator: The Holy Spirit and Prayer
Devo: Together in Christ
"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with..."
See All 30 Related Resources about Romans 8:26-27

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 8:26-27 — In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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