Prayer Partners Series
By
Elmer Towns
Lesson 5: You and the Holy Spirit
I. INTRODUCTION
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for 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).
II. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT HELP US PRAY?
1. Anticipate. What should be our attitude when we pray? We should pray with the same hope that we have for the Second Coming. The word “likewise” means, “we hope for what we do not have (his return)” (v.25).
2. The Spirit. What will give us confidence in prayer? His name is Spirit (over 400 times). The adjective “Holy” is used (80 times).
3. Helps in prayer. What will the Spirit do? Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would help us. “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you” (John 14:16 NKJV).
How does the Holy Spirit help us in prayer?
1. Reminds us what to pray. (John 14:26).
2. Motivates us when to pray. (John 14:17).
3. Guides us in prayer. (John 16:13).
4. Will point us to Jesus. (John 15:26).
5. Gives us strength to pray. (Col. 1:8-12).
4. Unbelief. What’s our biggest hindrance to answered prayer? “Infirmities” is singular; we have only one infirmity, i.e., unbelief.
Other Weaknesses in Prayer
1. Lack of persistence. Matt. 7:7
2. Lack of concentration.
3. Unknown sin. John 9:31
4. Unconfessed sin. Isa. 59:1
5. Selfishness. James 4:2,3
6. Not asking. James 4:2
5. Prayer is not natural. How does our unbelief hurt our prayers? “We know not what we should pray.” Oida, intuitive knowledge. It is not natural for us to pray.
6. The Holy Spirit. Who is the Spirit that helps us? “The Spirit itself” (KJV). “The Spirit Himself” (NKJV). The Holy Spirit is a person.
7. To speak in behalf of. What does the word intercession mean? The Holy Spirit speaks for us when we do not know what to say.
Who has this task in our modern world?
1. Legal, lawyer
2. Spirits, agent
3. Business, union stewart
4. Purchasing, realtor
5. Religion, prayer partner
8. Intense asking. What does the Holy Spirit use in praying for us? The word groaning means “strong desire,” similar to “begging with tears.”
9. No – it’s a different language. Can we hear the Holy Spirit as He intercedes for us? The Holy Spirit pleads with “groanings which cannot be uttered,” i.e., with words of strong desire that we cannot speak."
10. Because He is God. Why is the Holy Spirit effective in praying?
Three reasons why the Holy Spirit’s prayers are effective.
1. He knows our motives in asking, i.e., “He searcheth the heart.”
2. He knows the mind of God, i.e., He knows how to ask.
3. He knows the will of God, i.e., what God wants to give us.
11. No – the Spirit is our permanent intercessor. Will the Holy Spirit turn His back on our prayers? There are two different words for intercessor. In verse 26 it is the process of interceding. In verse 27 it is the position of interceding.
12. Yes – for all saints. Will the Spirit pray for me even if I do not think I am worthy? “He maketh intercession for the saints, i.e., all of them.”
13. Not properly related to the Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is effective, and He prays for me, then why don’t I have my prayers answered?
Holy Spirit Check List:
Yes No
1. Are you indwelt by the Spirit (He comes at salvation)?
2. Are you baptized by the Spirit (placed into Jesus)?
3. Are you filled by the Spirit (yielded to Him)?
4. Are you seeking the Holy Spirit to guide you?
5. Are you walking in the Spirit?
6. Are all known sins confessed?
7. Are you studying to learn more of the Spirit?
8. Are you faithfully using your spiritual gifts?
9. Should you apologize to an offended person?
10. Are you worshipping God biblically?
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
**PowerPoint files have been created to coordinate with this lesson. If you would like the file emailed to you, contact eltowns@liberty.edu.
