Romans 8:27 (ESV) -- 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.

It encourages us to know that people are praying for us. Anytime someone tells me they are praying for me, it comforts me. It makes me grateful. The reason for this is because the thought that someone is lifting my needs up to God, in addition to my own prayers, makes me grateful. I want God to answer my prayers, and meet my needs, and knowing others are praying for me is an encouragement that God sees, and He hears. 

But here is a crazy thought to remember more often than I do: The Holy Spirit constantly intercedes and prays for me. Isn’t that mind-blowing?! Our passage today reminds us of this truth. Paul writes, “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 Holy Spirit intercedes for believers. This means that the Spirit is praying for you and me to the Father. And what is the Spirit praying about? Paul says according to the will of God. So, the Holy Spirit prays for us in accordance with God’s will. Everything God wills for our lives, the Spirit is praying for us. This is incredible.

One of the many ways this encourages us is that the Holy Spirit prays for us in ways we don’t even pray for ourselves. We don’t always pray for everything we should. We certainly don’t always pray in accordance with God’s will. But the Holy Spirit does pray for us in this way. There are many blessings and helps that come into our lives as a result of the Spirit’s intercession. This should provoke our gratitude and joy. Give thanks to the Holy Spirit for joining in praying for you.

Reflection & Journal: 
- What kinds of things might the Holy Spirit pray for you?
- How should the Spirit’s intercession encourage us and fuel our own prayer lives?
- Why should we ask the Holy Spirit to help us to pray?

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