Page 33 - Teach us how to Pray - Book Layout - PDF

5.2 THE GROANINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – ITS NECESSITY

We are weak because of our sinfulness. Part of that weakness
consists in that “we do not know what we ought to pray.” Why?
Because we are not sure what to pray (content) that is in harmony
with God’s will (See verse 27 – “He intercedes for the saints according
to the will of God.”)

Even Paul, who prayed such wonderful prayers as recorded in
Ephesians 3:14-19, did not always know what to pray in specific
circumstances. Remember 2 Corinthians 12:7? Three times he
prayed that God would take away the thorn in his flesh, but that was
not God’s will. See God’s answer.

Do you have other examples? A pastor who became sick …
5. We could ask, why is the Holy Spirit not doing all the praying
then?

o God’s child needs to and wants to pour out his heart
before God in prayer;
o The Holy Spirit prays only in the hearts of those who
pray earnestly;
o God commanded us to pray and promises that He will
hear our prayers if it’s in accordance with His will;
o The Holy Spirit does not always pray differently than
what we pray for;

5.3 THE GROANINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – ITS CHARACTER

How does the Holy Spirit help us? He intercedes for us with
unspoken groanings.

What are the groanings of the Holy Spirit?

If you look at the context, creation, and we (God’s children) long for
that day when we all will be delivered from this temporary life, from
struggle and pain and every bit of sin, etc. He loves us so much that
He sighs with us. Not hopelessly, but in expectation of the day of
final redemption. (Anthropomorphic)