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 through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

As many of you are aware, this is one passage that divides the Pentecostals from the Baptists as it implies the practice of “speaking in tongues.”

I think, though, that controversy misses the major point (on both sides of the argument), which is that “the Spirit of God intercedes for God’s people.” Think about that for a moment. The Spirit of the living and triune God is right now interceding for God’s people – us.

Now that we know that the Holy Spirit is interceding on our behalf:

• Our struggle and ultimate triumph over evil is but a matter of time.
• It increases our knowledge that in the midst of loneliness and despair someone is on our side.
• It spurs us on towards love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24
• We now recognize that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12), and we certainly need all the help we can get.