Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
(Romans 8:26 ESV)

It is no secret at our church that my favorite lyric in praise and worship is, “Oh.” Probably 50% of our Sunday is me going, “OHHHHHHHHH!” I love that word!

Now, while I’m sure that the above scripture is wonderful for support of praying in tongues. (Which FYI, I am a strong proponent of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues.) But this passage more specifically says groanings – which I translate noises.

Some emotions are too deep for words. Not just feelings of pain and disappointment… but there are feelings of love that can not be articulated with words.

So I’ve always encouraged everyone to simply make a sound in worship. Just offer God something audible. I use oh.

Tongues are important and should be sought… but a groaning (and I mean this with affection and reverence) is tongues for the rest of us. It a way to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, without us messing up the words.

Now somebody shout OH!