Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 8:26

26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities : For we know not what we should pray for as we ought : but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us , with groanings which cannot be uttered .

This referreth us, Either to the Work of the Spirit, before noted, ver. 11. He quickneth, and he likewise helpeth: Or rather, to Hope, in the foregoing verse, Hope helpeth to Patience, so also the Spirit.

The Word imports such help, as when another of greater Strength steps in, and sustains the Burthen that lyes too heavy upon our Shoulders; or it is borrowed from Nurses, that help their little Children that are unable to go, upholding them by their Hands or Sleeves.

One way whereby the Spirit helps us, is, by teaching us to Pray. Prayer doth greatly Relieve us under the Cross, and is a great Refuge in Trouble. But we knowing not how to Pray as we oug[illegible: 1 letter]ht, either in regard of Matter or Manner; herein therefore the Spirit aids or helps us, as it followeth: But how? Is it said We know not what to pray for, when we have the Lords Prayer, which contains a perfect Rule and Summary of all things meet to be prayed for? Though the Lords Prayer be a Rule in general, yet we may be to seek in Particulars. God's own Children many times ask they know not what, vid. Iob 6.8. Ionah 4.3. Mar. 10.38. and 2 Cor. 12.8.

There is a Twofold Intercession, one of Christ; of which we read, ver. 34. The other of the Spirit, of which this Place speaks. How doth the Spirit make intercession for us? A. By making Intercession in us, or by helping us to pray. The Spirit is called, Zech. 12.10. The Spirit of Supplication. 'Tis by him, ver. 15. that we cry Abba Father; he Cryes so in our Hearts, Gal. 4.6. God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son in your hearts, crying Abba Father. The Spirit of our Father speaketh in us, Mat. 10.20. He suggesteth to us what we should pray for; he helpeth us to suitable Dispositions, and many times to suitable Expressions in Prayer, vid. Eph. 6.18. Iude 20.

With inward sighs and groans, which can't be exprest by words. There may be Prayer, where there is no Speech or vocal Expression. A Man may Cry, and that mightily to God, when he uttereth never a word, vid. Exod. 14.15. 1 Sam. 1.13.

Marginal references: Or, helpet[illegible: 1 letter] together.; Mat. 20.22. Jam. 4.3.; Or, the [illegible: 1 word] Spirit.