Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 21:1 (Mar 2016)
Article: The Intercession Of The Holy Spirit: Revisiting Romans 8:26-27
Author: Brenda Joy Boddy

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Conspectus 21:1 (March 2016) p. 2

The Intercession Of The Holy Spirit: Revisiting Romans 8:26-27

Brenda Joy Boddy

and

Dan Lioy1

Abstract

Traditionally the intercession of the Holy Spirit has been interpreted and understood to be the act of prayer, but an in-depth exegetical and theological analysis of the text revealed that this intercession goes beyond the boundaries of prayer to include an active intervention and mediation in the life of the believer to bring about reconciliation of those areas and issues that are contrary to God’s will and purpose. It includes giving believers the appropriate supernatural help needed to accomplish God’s will and purpose in their lives. It includes using all circumstances and situations as tools to conform believers to the image of Christ. It involves the Holy Spirit’s aggressive fight against the sin and weaknesses that plague and incapacitate believers in their walk of faith. Thus, the Holy Spirit’s help in the form of intercession may intervene in various ways to empower and supernaturally strengthen believers to accomplish the purpose and plan of God for them.

Conspectus 21:1 (March 2016) p. 3

1. Introduction

Whilst there was a consensus among the reviewed writings that the Holy Spirit helps believers in their weakness by interceding for them, it was observed that there is disagreement among scholars about what this intercession may involve and mean for the believer. The literature reviewed revealed that there are three main areas of interpretation among scholars when discussing the intercessory groanings of the Spirit. The three main views debated among scholars are (a) indirect groans, (b) glossolalia, and (c) direct groans. An in-depth critical assessment and evaluation of each view follows the contributions of the authors in each case.

2. Indirect Groans

The reviewed scholars have interpreted the Spirit’s groanings, mentioned in Romans 8:26 as the believer praying, and have contributed as follows.

Arthur Pink (2012: loc 3285) said these groans are produced by the Spirit but expressed by the believer as inward sighs or sobs. Leon Morris (2012:327-328) was of the same opinion, and believes these groanings are inspired by the Holy Spirit, who takes them and turns them into effective intercession. David Jeremiah (1998: loc 438) also agreed with this view, and reported that the Holy Spirit translates the believer’s groans into eloquent petitions, and presents them to the Father. Martin Lloyd-Jones (1975:135-136) came across a lot stronger as a proponent of this view, and stated that since it is inconceivable...

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