Praying In The Spirit Series

PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Jude 1:20

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit."

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:26-27, 1 Corinthians 14:14-15, Ephesians 6:18, Acts 2:4

INTRODUCTION:

Praying in the Spirit is a vital aspect of the Christian walk, enabling believers to communicate with God beyond the limitations of their natural understanding. It is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, intercession, and deepening one's relationship with God. This study explores what it means to pray in the Spirit, why it is essential for every believer, and how we can engage in this life-changing practice.

1. UNDERSTANDING PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

Praying in the Spirit is about aligning our hearts with God’s will, allowing the Holy Spirit to pray through us.

a) The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer (Romans 8:26)

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

b) Praying Beyond the Mind (1 Corinthians 14:14)

When we pray in the Spirit, we pray with our spirit, bypassing our limited understanding and allowing God to intercede for us.

c) Divine Communication (1 Corinthians 14:2)

Praying in the Spirit is a form of speaking to God directly, a language that transcends human understanding.

d) Building Up Our Faith (Jude 1:20)

Praying in the Spirit strengthens our faith, as it aligns us more closely with God’s will and helps us grow spiritually.

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:4)

On the day of Pentecost, the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues, a manifestation of praying in the Spirit.

2. THE BENEFITS OF PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

Praying in the Spirit brings about profound spiritual benefits for the believer.

a) Edification of the Believer (1 Corinthians 14:4)

Praying in the Spirit builds us up spiritually, making us stronger in faith and better equipped to face life’s challenges.

b) Deepening Intimacy with God (Ephesians 6:18)

When we pray in the Spirit, we engage in direct, intimate communication with God, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.

c) Empowerment for Intercession (Romans 8:27)

The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf, enabling us to pray according to God's will for others and ourselves.

d) Deliverance from Spiritual Weakness (Jude 1:20)

Praying in the Spirit helps us overcome spiritual dryness, weakness, and discouragement, allowing us to tap into divine strength.

e) Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 14:18)

Paul acknowledged the value of praying in tongues, saying that he prays in the Spirit more than anyone else, recognizing its importance in his spiritual life.

3. HOW TO PRAY IN THE SPIRIT

To engage in praying in the Spirit, believers must cultivate sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and practice surrender.

a) Surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s Guidance (Romans 8:14)

Praying in the Spirit requires yielding to the Holy Spirit’s leading and allowing Him to direct our prayers.

b) Praying with Faith (James 1:6)

We must approach God with faith when praying in the Spirit, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide and empower our prayers.

c) Speaking in Tongues (Mark 16:17)

Praying in tongues is one of the most common manifestations of praying in the Spirit, allowing the believer to speak in a heavenly language.

d) Staying in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)

To pray in the Spirit, believers must remain in a state of spiritual alertness and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

e) Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul’s Encouragement (1 Corinthians 14:15)

Paul encourages believers to pray both with the understanding and in the Spirit, showing the balance between the two methods of communication.

4. THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE DIMENSION OF PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

Praying in the Spirit is a powerful weapon in the believer’s spiritual armor.

a) Engaging in Battle with the Enemy (Ephesians 6:18)

Praying in the Spirit helps us engage in spiritual warfare, allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede for us against the powers of darkness.

b) Strengthening Our Inner Man (Ephesians 3:16)

Praying in the Spirit strengthens us spiritually, equipping us to withstand the attacks of the enemy.

c) Overcoming the Flesh (Romans 8:13)

Praying in the Spirit empowers us to overcome the temptations of the flesh, bringing our lives into alignment with God’s will.

d) Interceding for Others (Romans 8:27)

Praying in the Spirit allows us to intercede for others with divine insight and effectiveness, praying for their needs according to God’s will.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46)

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus engaged in spiritual warfare through prayer, overcoming the temptation to avoid His mission.

5. PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Praying in the Spirit is essential for personal spiritual development.

a) Increasing Sensitivity to God’s Voice (John 10:27)

As we pray in the Spirit, we develop greater sensitivity to hearing God’s voice and recognizing His leading in our lives.