By Pastor Joe Dickinson – From the Romans Series, Sermon 28: “Ineloquent Prayers”
Have you ever come to God in prayer and found yourself at a complete loss for words? Maybe your heart was heavy with grief, shame, confusion, or fear, and all you could do was sigh or cry. You knew you needed help, but you didn’t know how to ask. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone—and you’re not without hope.
In Romans 8:26–27 (KJV), the Apostle Paul writes:
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
This passage offers profound encouragement to every believer who struggles to pray. Paul wants us to know that God understands even our wordless prayers. When we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit steps in and intercedes for us. He takes our groanings—our ineloquent, jumbled, even speechless thoughts—and communicates them to God in perfect alignment with His will.
The Problem: When You Don’t Know What to Say
Prayer is often hindered by our infirmities—our weaknesses of mind, body, and spirit. Sometimes we’re too ashamed because of repeated sin. Other times, life’s burdens feel too big to untangle into words. At times, we’re so discouraged or angry, we simply can’t bring ourselves to speak.
Even seasoned believers, like Pastor Joe, have faced moments kneeling in prayer only to whisper, “I don’t know.”
- How do I pray when I’ve failed again?
- How do I pray when I don’t understand what’s wrong?
- How do I pray when my heart is just too heavy?
Jesus once asked a blind man in Mark 10:51, “What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?” He already knew the answer, but He wanted the man to express his need. But what happens when we can’t express it?
The Solution: The Holy Spirit Prays for You
Romans 8:26 gives us this glorious truth: “The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.” The word helpeth literally means “to take hold together with.” Imagine the Holy Spirit taking the Father in one hand and you in the other, bridging the gap.
The Spirit intercedes for you with “groanings which cannot be uttered.” These are the burdens and longings too deep for language. When you kneel in silence, when all you have is tears or sighs—the Holy Spirit translates your pain into prayer. He expresses to God what your heart can’t articulate.
God Listens to Your Wordless Prayers
Romans 8:27 reassures us that not only does the Spirit speak for us, but God hears and understands:
“And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit…”
God speaks the language of the heart. He knows your thoughts before you speak them (Psalm 139:2–4). He hears not only articulate petitions but also wordless groans. And because the Spirit always prays according to God’s will, He always hears and responds (1 John 5:14).
Why This Matters When You’re Struggling
Sin and suffering often silence our prayers. Guilt convinces us that God won’t listen. Pain leaves us speechless. Confusion makes us doubt. But Paul’s words in Romans 8 destroy that lie.
- Even the struggling, sinful saint is invited to pray.
- Even in your worst moments, God’s Spirit is working on your behalf.
- Even when you don’t know what to say, your silence speaks volumes in heaven.
It’s not about praying a perfect prayer. It’s about being honest before your Father and letting the Holy Spirit carry what you can’t say.
A Personal Example
Pastor Joe shared a childhood memory to illustrate this. As a five-year-old, he told his teacher that everything he saw with his right eye “had lines around it.” No one understood—until the eye doctor interpreted it as “blurry vision.” Joe didn’t have the right words, but someone who understood both his language and the problem did. The same is true with the Holy Spirit. He speaks your heart language and the language of heaven.
How to Apply This Truth
- Understand – You are always invited to come to God, even when you’re struggling.
- Pray Anyway – When you don’t know what to say, pray anyway. Your sighs are sacred.
- Be Honest – Don’t hide your guilt, pain, or confusion. Lay it before your Father.
- Pray Through Your Struggles – Whether it’s temptation, suffering, or sorrow—don’t tough it out. Pray it out.
- Remember – This promise is for believers. If you’ve never accepted Christ, this kind of divine access to God begins when you trust Jesus as your Savior.
Final Encouragement
God speaks “ineloquence.” He understands heavy hearts and silent prayers. The Spirit takes your wordless burdens and turns them into powerful, perfect intercession before the Father. So, don’t retreat when you’re struggling—run to prayer. Pray, even when you don’t know what to say.
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
Need someone to pray with you or talk about your relationship with Christ? Reach out. Don’t carry that burden alone.