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. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:26-28)
Many people quote Romans 8:28 as disconnected from the rest of the chapter and thus create an incorrect doctrine about God’s will. They say, “God will make all things work for our good.” However, that’s not true. It’s only valid when connected with the previous verses.
Although God empowers you and has given you authority, you have limited capacity while on this earth. You can only pray up to a certain point with your limited knowledge. You only know what you know, and there are usually issues below the surface of every problem we are unaware of. Our limited human insight restricts our effectiveness in prayer. God knew we would need help, so He gave us the most excellent helper - the Holy Spirit. Paul explained that the Holy Spirit helpeth our infirmities. That means He assists or takes hold together with us against spiritual opposition.
We don’t always know what to pray or how to pray for a situation, so the Holy Spirit uses us to pray with Him. Note that the Holy Spirit doesn’t pray for you; He prays with you.
How do we pray with the Holy Spirit? Paul explained it as with groanings which cannot be uttered. In Greek, it literally says groanings, which cannot be uttered in articulate speech.
Praying in the Spirit is praying in tongues. When you pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit uses your tongue to pray out God’s perfect will that only He knows. You don’t need to know everything; you just need to obey and allow yourself to be helped by the Greatest Helper!
Practical Application
When you pray, begin praying in your native language and understanding and then transition into tongues by allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through you. Then trust that God is working all things for your good.