Romans 8:26-27
Spending time in God’s presence to praise, pray and petition God is an important aspect of Christian worship before stepping into the ministry. This requires the help of the Holy Spirit if we are to be effective ministers. We read that Jesus took time out to pray and spend time with His Father – Matthew 14:23 | Mark 1:35 | Luke 5:16 | Luke 6:12. Jesus Christ worked out His ministry with the Power of the Holy Spirit and we as His disciples cannot do otherwise – Luke 24:49 | Acts 1:8.
In the leading passage, it is stated that “we do not know what we should pray for as we ought…”, hence the ministry of the Holy Spirit in a Christian life is not optional especially in prayer and communion with the Father.
- Being filled with the Spirit – Luke 1:15, 41, 67 | Luke 2:40 | Luke 4:1 | Acts 4:8, 31 | Acts 9:17 | Acts 13:9, 52 | Ephesians 5:18. Believers must increasingly seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is very required to be filled with/by the Holy Spirit before we pray and to be led by the Holy Spirit. Being filled is the first step of surrendering to God.
- Praying in the Spirit – Matthew 26:41 | Romans 8:26 | 1 Corinthians 14:14-15-15 | Ephesians 6:18 | Jude 1:20. Praying by and in the Spirit is vital and important for Christian growth and victory. When we pray by and in the Spirit, we are praying the mind of God – and God is obligated to back up His words with signs and wonders. It is the Holy Spirit Himself that gives the full revelation of the mind and word of God – 1 Corinthians 2:9-14.
Benefits of praying by and in the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 | 1 Corinthians 14:1-25:
- It is a mark/gift of the Spirit of God on a believer – 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 | 1 Corinthians 14:1-2.
- Direct communication with God – Acts 2:1-4 | Acts 10:44-46 | 1 Corinthians 14:2.
- Personal Growth in the Lord – 1 Corinthians 14:4.
- Praying in the Spirit (aka in Tongues) and other gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 are essential for spiritual growth and ministry fulfilment.
Discussion:
- Why did Paul say that he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues – 1 Corinthians 14:5?
- Paul encouraged that tongues must be interpreted. Why? – 1 Corinthians 14:6-11.
- Explain what you understand by the terms – “by the Spirit” and “in the Spirit”.
- Does praying in the Holy Spirit give you power over the enemy and victory in your Christian life? If you say Yes, please explain.
Prayer