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; 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. (Rom 8:26-27 NASB)
Chapter eight of The Epistles to the Romans consist of many memorable verses. We would hear of them often enough to have deep impression. Today’s verses are just two. As we read, verse 26 is rather shocking that “we do not know how to pray as we should.” Isn’t it true that we all know how to pray? In the very beginning we pray to accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. How come Paul said that we do not how to pray? Paul is not saying we do not know how to open our mouth and pray. He is obviously pointing to the content of our prayer. The Bible uses the word weakness translating to our everyday language it means our inability. We are not able4 to pray according to God’s will. These two verses tell us the truth, the fact. For us who have been Christians for many years, it is indeed defeating. Until Paul said, “for we do not know how to pray as we should,” we are shaken awake. Our prayers are not as good as we think they are. It is not only not good enough, it is off the mark. Maybe Paul is not saying all our prayers are below standard, he is telling the reality in general. It is shockingly enough for us to be awakened and not be complacent.
Prayer is supposed to be basics for Christians. We practice prayer from day one of our Christian life. We think we may at least get a passing grade for that. Paul pointed out to us we are far from good. But we thank God it is not the end of it. It is only a fact. Such fact will not affect our prayers for God has already provided us with the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Paul has been using this kind of rhetoric throughout the Epistle to the Romans. He pointed out to us the reality, the fact. The reality is grim. Then he turned around and told us this is not the end. Just like 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sinner should die in sin is without a doubt a reality. But for God it is not the end. In Christ Jesus our Lord, all are changed. Without, our prayers are not on par. We just do not know how to pray as we should. But it is not the end for God. God has already sent the Holy Spirit to us to intercede for us. The Holy Spirit lift our prayers to the standard according to God’s will. What grace it is! It is not proportional to my power, but according to the Holy Spirit’s grace. It is exactly what the hymn writer has written:
I hear the savior say
Thy strength indeed is small
Child of weakness, watch and pray
Find in me thine all in all
Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
In our everyday life, we are once again reminded our mighty power is so powerless. We cannot do the simplest task well enough. We could build tall buildings even the Great Wall. Great Wall is the only human-made structure recognizable in outer space. We can send human to the moon. However, from the beginning of time, human never come out winners in epidemics, from Black Death to Covid-19. However, in God’s hand we are safe. Romans eight says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”