(Sermon Notes for Sunday, 26 October 2025)
HEAVEN’S TRANSLATOR:
HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT INTERCEDES
Romans 8:26-27 (NASB)
26 Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
26 Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
In this passage of Scripture, it’s the Spirit of God, the third Person of the Godhead that is praying for us! That’s the focus of this passage of Scripture: "The prayers of the third Person of the Trinity, to the first Person of the Trinity on our behalf, regarding our sanctification and our moving forward in our Christian lives."
Outline for Romans 8:26-27:
1. The Involvement of the Spirit (v 26a) "...the Spirit also helps our weakness..."
2. The Intercession of the Spirit (v 26b) "...but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;"
3. The Intelligence of the Spirit (v 27) "...knows what the mind of the Spirit is..."
Outline for Romans 8:26-27:
1. The Involvement of the Spirit (v 26a) "...the Spirit also helps our weakness..."
2. The Intercession of the Spirit (v 26b) "...but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;"
3. The Intelligence of the Spirit (v 27) "...knows what the mind of the Spirit is..."
The INTERCESSION of the Spirit
Romans 8:26b (NASB)
"...but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;"
"...but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;"
The Spirit is intimately, personally, continually, constantly involved in our Spiritual lives; specifically with our sanctification.
"...the Spirit Himself...
The Holy Spirit Himself is personally, individually, and directly intercedes (present tense) for us.
To intercede means: you plead the case for someone else, on their behalf, before a superior.
To intercede means: you plead the case for someone else, on their behalf, before a superior.
Two Divine Beings Interceding
I want you to know that you have, not one, but two Divine beings interceding to the Father on your behalf. God the Holy Spirit and God the Son is interceding on your behalf to God the Father.
God the Spirit: Romans 8:26 (NASB) Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
God the Son: Romans 8:34 (NASB) … Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
Hebrews 7:23-25 (NASB) The former priests, (referring to those in the Old Covenant in the Old Testament) on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
God the Spirit: Romans 8:26 (NASB) Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
God the Son: Romans 8:34 (NASB) … Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
Hebrews 7:23-25 (NASB) The former priests, (referring to those in the Old Covenant in the Old Testament) on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
"INTERCEDES"
In the NASB the word “intercedes” is found 9 times in 8 verses
Numbers 21:7 So the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and you; intercede with the Lord, that He may remove the serpents from us.” And Moses interceded for the people.
1 Samuel 2:25 “If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the Lord desired to put them to death.
Isaiah 53:12 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors.
Isaiah 59:16 And He saw that there was no man, And was astonished that there was no one to intercede; Then His own arm brought salvation to Him, And His righteousness upheld Him.
Jeremiah 7:16 “As for you, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with Me; for I do not hear you.
Romans 8:26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
Romans 8:27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
Numbers 21:7 So the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and you; intercede with the Lord, that He may remove the serpents from us.” And Moses interceded for the people.
1 Samuel 2:25 “If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the Lord desired to put them to death.
Isaiah 53:12 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors.
Isaiah 59:16 And He saw that there was no man, And was astonished that there was no one to intercede; Then His own arm brought salvation to Him, And His righteousness upheld Him.
Jeremiah 7:16 “As for you, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with Me; for I do not hear you.
Romans 8:26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
Romans 8:27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
How the Holy Spirit Intercedes for Believers
1. The Holy Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness
Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness…”
When we feel spiritually drained, confused, or weary, the Spirit strengthens and supports us in prayer and faith. The word helps (synantilambanetai) means “to take hold together with” — He doesn’t just assist; He carries the weight with us.
2. The Holy Spirit Prays for Us When We Don’t Know How
Romans 8:26 “…for we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…”
In times of confusion, pain, or speechless sorrow, the Spirit takes our unspoken feelings and turns them into effective prayer.
3. The Holy Spirit Groans with Us
Romans 8:26 “…with groanings too deep for words.”
These “groanings” are not human language but divine communication—expressions of your heart’s deepest longings that words can’t reach.
Romans 8:22–23 — Creation and believers “groan” for redemption; the Spirit joins that cry.
4. The Holy Spirit Aligns Our Prayers with God’s Will
Romans 8:27 “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.”
The Spirit ensures that our prayers, even when imperfect, are adjusted and aligned with God’s perfect plan.
5. The Holy Spirit Searches and Knows Our Hearts
Romans 8:27 “He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit…”
The Spirit interprets not only our words but our motives, emotions, and inner struggles, presenting them truthfully to God.
6. The Holy Spirit Bridges the Gap Between Our Weakness and God’s Power
Romans 8:26–27; Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.”
The Spirit serves as the connecting point between our limited human ability and God’s limitless strength.
7. The Holy Spirit Intercedes Continuously
Romans 8:27; John 14:16–17 “He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”
The Spirit’s intercession isn’t occasional — it’s constant and ongoing. He continually works within believers to sustain our fellowship with God.
8. The Holy Spirit Produces Confidence and Peace in Prayer
Philippians 4:6–7; Ephesians 6:18 “Praying at all times in the Spirit…”
When we pray “in the Spirit,” we experience divine peace and assurance that our prayers are heard.
9. The Holy Spirit Reveals God’s Will and Truth
1 Corinthians 2:10–11 “These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.”
His intercession isn’t only emotional—it’s intellectual and spiritual. He brings divine insight into what God desires.
10. The Holy Spirit Unites Our Prayers with Christ’s Intercession
Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25 Christ intercedes for us in heaven.
The Spirit intercedes within us while Christ intercedes for us—perfect unity in divine communication.
Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness…”
When we feel spiritually drained, confused, or weary, the Spirit strengthens and supports us in prayer and faith. The word helps (synantilambanetai) means “to take hold together with” — He doesn’t just assist; He carries the weight with us.
2. The Holy Spirit Prays for Us When We Don’t Know How
Romans 8:26 “…for we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…”
In times of confusion, pain, or speechless sorrow, the Spirit takes our unspoken feelings and turns them into effective prayer.
3. The Holy Spirit Groans with Us
Romans 8:26 “…with groanings too deep for words.”
These “groanings” are not human language but divine communication—expressions of your heart’s deepest longings that words can’t reach.
Romans 8:22–23 — Creation and believers “groan” for redemption; the Spirit joins that cry.
4. The Holy Spirit Aligns Our Prayers with God’s Will
Romans 8:27 “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.”
The Spirit ensures that our prayers, even when imperfect, are adjusted and aligned with God’s perfect plan.
5. The Holy Spirit Searches and Knows Our Hearts
Romans 8:27 “He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit…”
The Spirit interprets not only our words but our motives, emotions, and inner struggles, presenting them truthfully to God.
6. The Holy Spirit Bridges the Gap Between Our Weakness and God’s Power
Romans 8:26–27; Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.”
The Spirit serves as the connecting point between our limited human ability and God’s limitless strength.
7. The Holy Spirit Intercedes Continuously
Romans 8:27; John 14:16–17 “He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”
The Spirit’s intercession isn’t occasional — it’s constant and ongoing. He continually works within believers to sustain our fellowship with God.
8. The Holy Spirit Produces Confidence and Peace in Prayer
Philippians 4:6–7; Ephesians 6:18 “Praying at all times in the Spirit…”
When we pray “in the Spirit,” we experience divine peace and assurance that our prayers are heard.
9. The Holy Spirit Reveals God’s Will and Truth
1 Corinthians 2:10–11 “These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.”
His intercession isn’t only emotional—it’s intellectual and spiritual. He brings divine insight into what God desires.
10. The Holy Spirit Unites Our Prayers with Christ’s Intercession
Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25 Christ intercedes for us in heaven.
The Spirit intercedes within us while Christ intercedes for us—perfect unity in divine communication.
Summary: The Holy Spirit's Intercession
| Way the Spirit Intercedes | Description | Scripture |
| Helps in weakness | Supports and strengthens us | Rom. 8:26 |
| Prays when we can’t | Intercedes beyond our words | Rom. 8:26 |
| Groans with us | Expresses our deepest pain | Rom. 8:26 |
| Aligns with God’s will | Perfects our prayers | Rom. 8:27 |
| Searches hearts | Brings our true motives to God | Rom. 8:27 |
| Bridges weakness & power | Connects human frailty to divine strength | Zech. 4:6; Rom. 8:26 |
| Intercedes continuously | Never ceases to advocate for us | John 14:16–17 |
| Produces peace & confidence | Calms and strengthens in prayer | Phil. 4:6–7; Eph. 6:18 |
| Reveals God’s will | Guides prayer according to divine truth | 1 Cor. 2:10–11 |
| Unites with Christ’s intercession | Harmonizes heaven’s communication | Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25 |
Picture the courtroom of heaven. The enemy stands to accuse you, listing every failure and sin. But you have two attorneys who have never lost a case — the Holy Spirit within you, and Jesus Christ at the right hand of the Father.
The Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words, and the Son declares, "This one is Mine — paid in full." Two intercessors, two advocates — one verdict: Not guilty!
The Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words, and the Son declares, "This one is Mine — paid in full." Two intercessors, two advocates — one verdict: Not guilty!
Will you give your life to Jesus today?
Pray this prayer to receive Jesus as your Savior:
“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”
Assurance of Salvation
If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.
Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”
Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”
If you prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord, please complete the Connection Card below and watch the "Bridge Illustration" video at the bottom of this post.
Posted in Sermon Notes
Recent
Archive
2025
July
September
2024
January
April
May