In that fullest exposition of the doctrine of the Spirit, given in the eighth of Romans, we see clearly that the ministry of the Comforter consists in his effectuating in us that which Christ is accomplishing for us on the throne. Especially is this true of prayer. In the Epistle to the Hebrews we read: "Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near to God through him, _seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them_" (Heb. 7: 25, R. V.). In the Epistle to the Romans we read: "And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity; for we know not how to pray as we ought, but _the Spirit himself 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" (Rom. 8: 26, 27, R. V.). These passages, read together, clearly show the Spirit doing the same thing _in_ us which Christ in heaven {149} is doing _for_ us. And, moreover, they reveal to us the method of the glorified Christ in helping those who know not what to pray for as they ought, teaching them, not by an outward form, but by an inward guidance. Indeed, the prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit is often so deep that it cannot be expressed in formal words, but reaches the ear of the Father only in unspeakable yearnings, in unuttered groanings. The keynote of all true intercession is the will of God. In the disciples' prayer, as taught them by the Master, this note is distinctly sounded: "Thy will be done on earth as in heaven." In the Saviour's garden-prayer it is heard again, as with strong crying and tears the Son of God exclaims: "Not my will but thine be done"; and in the revelation of the doctrine of prayer through an inspired apostle we read: "If we ask anything according to his will he heareth us." It is the Spirit's deepest work in the believer to attune his mind to this exalted key, as he "maketh intercession for the saints _according to the will of God_." There is a promise which all disciples love to quote for their assurance in prayer: "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 18: 19). The word translated "agree" is a very suggestive one. It is, _sympsonesosin_, from which our word "symphony" comes. If two shall _accord_ {150} or _symphonize_ in what they ask, they have the promise of being heard. But, as in tuning an organ all the notes must be keyed to the standard pitch, else harmony were impossible, so in prayer. It is not enough that two disciples agree with each other; they must both accord with a Third--the righteous and holy Lord--before in the scriptural sense they can agree in intercession. There may be agreement which is in most sinful conflict with the divine will: "How is it that ye have agreed together