Pray in The Spirit
“The Spirit helps in our weaknesses. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” Romans 8:26-7 (NIV)
If I could only give one piece of advice to a believer for an entire lifetime, it would be, “pray in the Spirit.” It has been the most powerful [1] help in my life experience.
Scripture says “the Spirit helps our weaknesses.” This help is unique. It’s constant and it is always available. It’s like having Jesus by your side twenty-four hours a day. [2] Which is why He said, “it is for your good that I am going away for if I go not away, the counselor will not come.” [3]
The help of God’s Spirit is immediate. Jesus could only be in one place at a time. Lazarus’ raising from the dead was four days in waiting for the physical Jesus to arrive. A lot of stinking anxiety can build up in four days, as illustrated in that story. [4] Gods Spirit is always at the ready, “now,” “no waiting required when you “pray in the spirit.” Real weakness appreciates this because waiting for the cavalry to arrive is the biggest challenge of faith. The Spirit of God moves into action the moment you release him in prayer. He is the “comforter.”
We must admit that we don’t know what we ought to pray. How could we? We don’t know all the circumstances, we don’t know the future. We don’t know the hearts of others. We don’t even know our own heart sometimes, or the will of God. But He knows all these things. That’s His specialty, and He’s good at it. In fact, He’s perfect at it. Praying in the Spirit is perfect prayer. God always hears that praying. Answers to those prayers are guaranteed. [5] Why wouldn’t we utilize this powerful help?
Your weakness is the cue to pray in the Spirit. Take that call. Do it often. Do it constantly. “Just do it,” and watch what happens.
[1] Acts1:8 [2] Jn.14:18 [3] Jn.16:7 [4] Jn.11:39 [5] 1Jn.5:15