Romans 8:26

And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered; "In like manner" -'in the same way' (NASV). In the same way that patience helps us through the times of our suffering, we are told that the Spirit also helps us. Or, seeing that the Spirit assists us in other areas (Romans 8:14-16), He also helps us in our infirmities.

"Helpeth" -4878. sunantilambanomai soon-an-tee-lam-ban'-om-ahee; from 4862 and 482; to take hold of opposite together, i.e. co-operate (assist): -help. 'To lend. hand' (Luke 10:40 same word). 'To lend. hand together with, at the same time with one'. (Robertson p. 376)

"Infirmity" -769. astheneia as-then'-i-ah; from 772; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty: -disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness. 'Helps us in our present limitations' (Phi)

. specific 'weakness' in the context is. "weakness" in the area of our prayers.

"we know not how to pray as we ought" -'a comforting verse for it let's us know that it is possible to be pleasing to the Lord even if the prayer life isn't perfected. (Need. say we would all want. more radiant and vibrant prayer-life?)'

Jesus did teach us 'how' to pray (Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:1-2). And Paul isn't saying that we never know 'what to ask for'. (James 4:3; 1 John 5:14). This verse is encouragement during those times when the 'sufferings of this present time' (Romans 8:18), leave the Christian frustrated in prayer, frustrated that they are unable to put into words their 'hearts desire'.

"Maketh intercession" -5241. huperentugchano hoop-er-en-toong-khan'-o; from 5228 and 1793; to intercede in behalf of: -make intercession for

Jesus spoke of the Spirit as another 'Helper' (Greek Paracletos, one called alongside to help; or Intercessor). (John 14:16)

"with groanings which cannot be uttered" -'with groanings too deep for words' (NASV); 'groans for deliverance which words cannot utter'. (Con) This may mean either unutterable or unuttered. (Vincent p. 95)

POINTS TO NOTE:

1. Paul isn't saying that the Spirit does our praying for us. For praying persistently is the obligation of man. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

2.. don't think that the "groanings too deep for words", are the Holy Spirit's, but rather our "groanings" (Romans 8:23). These are the "groanings" found in the soul ('mind of the spirit') of the Christian who is attempting to follow the guidance of the Spirit (Romans 8:27).

3. Neither do. think that Paul is saying that the 'Spirit groans within us', or that the 'Spirit' causes us to groan in some mysterious way.