Praying in the Spirit

Prayer is essential to being victorious in the Christian life. Yet many people pray and wonder why they still aren’t experiencing this victory. The reasons emerge as we dig deeper into the Scriptures.

First, the Bible tells us we are to be vigilant in prayer. We are to pray “always with all prayer and supplication.” We must be committed to prayer and vigilant in every kind of prayer. We are to pray not only about things in general, but also for specific things: specific needs, concerns, and problems.

We must not approach prayer as a ritual, something we only can do on special days or times. Instead, conscious of God’s continual presence with us, we are to be consumed by prayer, constantly talking with God.

We are to be “watchful” in prayer. This means alert and focused, sensitive to the Holy Spirit. It requires being ready to pray about what He shows us about events in our lives and the world, and also ready to respond as He leads.

The Bible reminds us that there are different kinds of prayer. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul taught that we’re to pray with our “understanding.” This means praying with our minds. But Paul also stressed a different dimension of prayer: praying “in the Spirit.” This kind of prayer is especially powerful, because it is directly connected with the Holy Spirit, allowing the Spirit to flow through us.

Do you want victory in your life? Then make prayer a priority, a constant part of your life. Pray about everything. Don’t talk at God but fellowship with Him. Listen, and learn to be sensitive for His voice. Let Him speak to you as you read His Word. Worship Him. Don’t pray and give up, but persevere in prayer. Pray both with your understanding and in the Spirit.