Questioner: Matthew, Patti
Subject: Praying in the SpiritQuestion:
- Got one for you from my mother. We were discussing prayer the other day and she brought up that she wasn't sure what the bible meant by Pray in the Spirit. I couldn't acurately answer her so we are bringing it to you. What is the difference. How do you know when you pray in
the Spirit and when you don't?
John of AllFaith's reply
Hi Matthew and Mom ;-)There are two basic ways to look at this I would say.
The Spirit of God sparks our minds. As Scripture says: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom 8:28).
When we pray, it is acceptable to pray for what we want etc. but true, powerful and effective prayer comes when we "tune in" to the Holy Spirit.
An example: Several years certain people were in the jungles of El Salvador. A rebel group approached and held them at gunpoint. Suddenly, for no cause that could be known, the rebels turned and fled in obvious fear. The next morning these people called the states and discovered that their prayer partners were "hit" with a need to pray for us. They had no way of knowing why their prayers were needed, but because they were "in the spirit" God answered those prayers and saved several folks from probable death. These people were "praying in the Spirit" as God led them. We see such things all time. Mothers who "know" they need to pray for their kid about something... and so on. When we spend time with God in openess and supplication we are led into this blessed type of prayer.
The other answer, is a common Pentecostal belief that these are the "Later Days" and that the "Later Rains" are being poured out, as seen in the "gifts of the Spirit" such as speaking in tongues" etc. Such people often hold that "praying in the Spirit" refers to this manner of prayer.
I believe the first is far more likely the case, even though I do believe (and practice) speaking in tongues etc. Paul is quite clear that the gift of tongues is a lesser gift, while everyone is to pray in the Spirit.
It has been said that prayer is talking to God, meditation is listening to God. I think there's a lot of truth to this. When we pray in the Spirit" we are doing both. We are praying deeply as the Spirit of God leads us through prayerful meditation.
Hope this helps,
Maranatha,
-
~John of AllFaith
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