Prayer is the cornerstone of the Christian life; a powerful way of drawing closer to our Heavenly Father. But what does the Bible say about praying in the Spirit?
There are many Christian phrases that aren’t only confusing, but tough to apply in our lives. And if we’re being honest, praying in The Spirit sounds a little “woo-woo”.
But the truth is, Spirit-led prayers are powerful. They can change our lives and our relationship with God.
Such prayer helps us align ourselves with God’s will, brings wisdom and clarity to our life, gives us strength in the hard times and fosters a deep, lasting peace that can only come from our Lord God.
In today’s show (or blog post if podcasts aren’t your thing), I’m diving into Scripture to answer…
- What does praying in the Holy Spirit mean?
- What the Bible says about praying in the Spirit.
- What are the benefits of praying in the Spirit?
- How to pray Spirit-led prayers.
5 Simple Steps to Praying in the Spirit Index
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What Does Praying in the Spirit Mean
Praying in the Spirit is mentioned specifically in the Bible, most notably in Ephesians 6:18, where the Apostle Paul urges us to,
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” NLT
At its core, praying in the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit of God to guide, inspire, and empower our prayers.
This involves aligning our hearts with the will of God, seeking His presence, and letting the Spirit’s power intercede on our behalf.
It’s important to note, praying in the Spirit isn’t limited to a specific prayer type.
Whether we’re offering praise, thanksgiving, or petition prayers, the key is the help of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26 reminds us that,
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” NLT
This verse stresses our intimate partnership as Christians and the Spirit of Christ.
In moments of weakness, confusion, or even joy, the Holy Spirit bridges the gap between our human limitations and God’s divine wisdom. Praying in the Spirit is deeply personal and incredibly powerful.
It’s a direct line to the throne of grace through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
What DOES the Bible Say About Praying in the Spirit
So what does the Bible say about praying in the Spirit?
Scripture provides several examples and teachings, so let’s take a moment to unpack some of them now.
1. The Day of Pentecost: Receiving the Holy Ghost
In Acts, chapter 2, we see the promise of the Father fulfilled as the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4 NIV
Their prayers, empowered by the Spirit, resulted in bold declarations of the gospel and the birth of the early church. This moment was marked by extraordinary signs, such as tongues of fire and the disciples speaking in different languages; giving us a powerful demonstration of the Spirit’s presence.
These Spirit-led prayers inspired the disciples to preach the good news to a diverse audience, leading to the conversion of thousands of men and women and establishing the foundation for the global church.
The events of Pentecost demonstrate the transformative power of praying in the Spirit and its ability to accomplish God’s purposes.
2. The Spirit-Led Prayer of a Righteous Person
In James 5:16 we learn,
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” NLT
This verse demonstrates the unique strength of Spirit-led prayer.
When we pray in the Spirit, our requests are aligned with God’s righteousness, granting them great power and purpose.
The Holy Spirit empowers these prayers to rise above our human weaknesses, ensuring that our requests are in harmony with God’s will.
Such prayers — born of faith and guided by the Spirit — can move mountains and bring about divine intervention in remarkable ways.
3. Praying in the Spirit: The Spirit of Adoption
The Spirit of Adoption, referenced in Romans 8:15, signifies the Holy Spirit’s work in affirming us as children of God. Through this Spirit, we’re not only freed from fear, but also given the privilege to call God “Abba, Father.”
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’” NLT
By the Spirit’s power, we’re reminded of our identity as beloved children of God. This relationship allows us to approach the throne of grace with boldness and confidence, knowing that our loving Heavenly Father hears our prayers — knowing they will be answered.
The Spirit of adoption transforms prayer from mere obligation to a heartfelt conversation with God; filled with growing trust and affection.
4. Prayers with Spiritual Gifts
The Holy Spirit bestows spiritual gifts to believers as described in passages like 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4.
These gifts, which include…
- wisdom
- knowledge
- faith
- healing
- prophecy
- tongues
…are given to equip and strengthen the church, promote unity, and advance God’s purposes.
Each gift is unique and essential, enabling us to serve others and glorify God in various meaningful ways.
And the gift of tongues is an example of gifts from The Spirit.
While not every believer has this gift, for those who do, it illustrates the Spirit’s unique ministry in prayer.
Praying in tongues (which we’ll talk about next) is a deeply spiritual act where the Holy Spirit speaks directly to God.
However, true Spirit-led prayer extends beyond this gift, encompassing all forms of prayer, motivated by the Spirit’s presence.
Whether we use our own language or the language of the Spirit, the key is surrendering to His guidance and allowing Him to intercede according to the will of God.
This ensures our prayers are effective and aligned with heavenly purposes.
What’s The Difference Between Speaking in Tongues and Praying in the Spirit
While speaking in tongues and praying in the Spirit are related, they are not the same.
Speaking in tongues is just one of the spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10.
“He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.” NLT
It involves a believer speaking in a language they don’t know, often as a form of worship or intercession.
Although this gift can be a manifestation of praying in the Spirit, it’s not the only way to feel His Presence.
Praying in the Spirit refers to any prayer led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, regardless of the language used. As 1 Corinthians 14:2 teaches us, speaking in tongues is just a different way to speak with our Father.
“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 14:2 NIV
In this verse, the Apostle Paul explains that when someone speaks in tongues, their communication is directed to God rather than to people.
This is because the language spoken isn’t understood by others — it’s a form of spiritual expression enabled by the Holy Spirit.
Through this gift, the Christian utters mysteries, or divine truths, that are inspired by the Spirit.
Speaking in tongues is a way for believers to build up their own faith as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:4,
“Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.” NIV
On the other hand, praying in the Spirit focuses on bringing all types of prayers in line with God’s will.
While speaking in tongues is a specific gift of the Holy Spirit that not every believer will have, praying in the Spirit is something every believer can do.
Both practices are powerful and rely on the Holy Spirit, but praying in the Spirit isn’t limited to a special language.
It happens anytime we let the Spirit lead us in our prayers, helping us connect with God’s heart and purposes for our lives.
In other words, praying in the Spirit invites every believer to experience a deeper connection with God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
What Are the Benefits of Praying in the Spirit
Praying in the Spirit offers some pretty powerful benefits for every Christian believer.
As we learn to invite The Spirit in and allow Him to lead our prayers, He’ll bring wisdom and clarity; helping us navigate the trials and challenges in our lives.
But let’s take a moment to break down some of these incredible benefits now.
1. Spirit-Led Prayers Provide A Deeper Connection With God
Praying in the Spirit draws us closer to the throne of grace.
In Hebrews 4:16, we’re reminded that through the Spirit, we can approach God with boldness and confidence, knowing we are welcome in His presence.
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” NLT
This connection to our Father allows us to experience His love, hear His voice, and align our hearts with His plan for our lives; helping us foster a sense of intimacy that transforms our prayer life.
2. Praying in the Spirit Brings Clarity and Guidance
The Spirit of truth helps us pray in alignment with God’s word and will.
Even when words fail us, the Spirit intercedes, ensuring our prayers reflect the heart of God.
Romans 8:26 highlights this partnership, where the Holy Spirit fills in the gaps, guiding us to pray for what truly matters in God’s eyes.
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“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” NLT
So in those times when you don’t know what to pray, you can find peace and reassurance that The Spirit is interceding for you.
All you have to do is whisper up a quick, “Thank you, Holy Spirit”; knowing that He is speaking to The Father on your behalf.
3. Praying in the Spirit Fosters Spiritual Strength & Mercy
Praying in the Spirit fortifies our faith. As described in Jude 1:20-21, praying in The Spirit gives us the strength we need to endure the hard times with steadfast faith.
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” NIV
The Holy Spirit equips us to face life’s challenges with courage and perseverance, reminding us of our Father’s promises.
Just as soldiers rely on their armor in battle, we can rely on Spirit-led prayer to stand firm against spiritual attacks; finding renewed strength to continue our walk with God.
4. Spirit-Led Prayers Bring the Peace of God
Spirit-led prayer brings a supernatural peace that goes beyond our understanding and circumstances.
Philippians 4:7 assures us that His ever-lasting peace will guard our hearts when everything around us feels like it’s falling apart.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” NIV
So when we surrender our anxieties to the Spirit in prayer, we find rest in God’s presence; trusting in His sovereignty, love and peace to carry us through every storm.
5. Praying in the Spirit Brings Unity with Our Father
When we learn to pray in the Spirit, it fosters a sense of unity with our Father. We grow closer to Him, allowing Him to do the work in us.
And Ephesians 4:3 calls us to maintain this unity,
“Make every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit has already created, with peace binding you together.” The Voice
Praying in the Spirit aligns us with God’s will, breaking down barriers and creating a stronger, united body of Christ that reflects His love, grace and strength to the world.
WHAT’S An Example of Praying in the Spirit
So what’s an example of praying in the Spirit?
Although there are many stories in both the Old Testament and New Testament, probably one of the most notable examples is from Jesus Christ, Himself.
With the impending crucifixion only hours away, Jesus found strength in the Garden of Gethsemane through spirit-led prayers.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 NIV
Though Jesus was overwhelmed with sorrow and anxiety over his upcoming crucifixion, He submitted to the will of God, praying with the help of the Spirit.
This kind of prayer demonstrates reliance on the Spirit’s power to align our desires with our Father’s plan. And as we see just one verse later, the Spirit of the Lord gave Jesus the strength He needed to go on.
“An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Luke 22:43 NIV
In our own lives, praying in the Spirit may look like a quiet time in a prayer room or surrendering our burdens to God with the help of the Spirit of grace. It could also involve interceding for others and relying on the Spirit’s guidance to offer specific requests.
How to Pray in the Spirit
This is all well and good, but knowing how important this is and knowing HOW to do it are two very different things, aren’t they?
So let’s take a moment to break down five practical steps you can take to pray in the Spirit.
1. Prepare Your Heart
When you go to God in prayer, preparing your heart should always be the first step. Ephesians 6:18 teaches,
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” NLT
Before you begin, take a moment to focus your thoughts on God. Meditate on Bible verses that speak to praying in the Spirit and invite the Holy Spirit to fill your heart.
By grounding yourself in scripture first, you prepare your heart for Spirit-led prayer.
2. Ask for the Spirit’s Help
As I teach my students, all you need to do is, “make that ask.” You see, God wants to provide for you. He wants to teach you how to pray in The Spirit.
So begin by humbly asking the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers.
This doesn’t have to be formal, just a simple, “Lord, I want to learn how to pray in the Spirit. Help me to align myself with you,” can be incredibly powerful.
When you ask for God’s help, you’re inviting His presence into your life, opening your heart to His leading.
3. Surrender Your Will
Genuine prayer in the Spirit requires letting go of your own desires and submitting fully to God’s will.
Like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, we need to make that 1% shift in the way we pray. Instead of only going to God with a list of prayer requests, we need to surrender our desires and say, “Not my will but yours be done, Lord”.
By surrendering your desires for His, you’re learning to trust God more fully, relying on the Spirit to direct your thoughts and words.
4. Pray Continuously
Make Spirit-led prayer a habit by integrating it into your daily life. In other words, create a lifestyle of leaning into God and learning to pray in the Spirit.
Whether you’re praying in a moment of quiet reflection, running errands, or doing some chores around the house, start inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you in the midst of your daily activities.
Remember, Spirit-led prayer isn’t confined to set times. It’s an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day.
5. Be Open to Spiritual Gifts
The Holy Spirit will equip you with specific spiritual gifts, such as tongues or prophecy, to enhance your prayer life.
If you feel led, embrace these gifts as tools for deeper communication with God.
Remember we’ve all been given different gifts — each one unique to ourselves. Whether you’ve been given the gift of speaking in tongues or not, all Spirit-led prayer is powerful and effective.
5 Simple Prayers to Learn How to Pray in the Spirit
I don’t know about you, but I like to have examples and a jumping-off point when I’m starting something new.
So here are five simple prayers when learning how to pray in the Spirit.
- “Holy Spirit, guide my thoughts and words as I come before the Father in prayer. Help me to feel Your Presence and pray according to Your will.”
- “In the name of the Lord, I surrender my heart to You. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my prayers reflect Your desires.”
- “Heavenly Father, allow The Spirit to help me in my weakness. Teach me how to pray in alignment with Your will.”
- “Spirit of truth, lead me in prayer today. Open my heart to hear Your voice and follow Your guidance.”
- “In the name of Jesus Christ, let Your Spirit intercede for me as I lift my burdens to You. Help me trust in Your wisdom and plan.”
5 Simple Steps to Praying in the Spirit
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you the importance of prayer in our relationship with God.
When you learn to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer, you’ll begin to see a transformation in your relationship with our Father. Your prayer life will grow stronger, and you’ll connect with Him on an entirely new level.
It’s what I call, stepping off the shore and going into the deep waters with God. And it’s in those deep waters where we experience those spiritual growth spurts we’re all looking for.
It’s important to remember, this takes time and practice. You may not feel God’s presence immediately, and that’s totally normal.
But as you learn to get persistent and consistent in your pursuit of praying in the Spirit, you’ll soon begin to feel His presence throughout your day.
Remember, it starts with an invitation. Ask the God of peace to guide you, and at the right time, you’ll experience the power of Spirit-led prayers and the impact they can have on your life.
Now, let’s wrap up with this week’s podcast episode. Grab your favorite beverage and join me for 5 Simple Steps to Learn How to Pray in the Spirit.
- 00:00 Introduction
- 01:28 What does praying in the Spirit mean
- 02:25 What’s the difference between praying in the Spirit and praying in tongues
- 11:03 5 simple steps to pray in the Holy Spirit
- 22:41 What are the benefits of praying in the Spirit
- 22.54 Wrapping Up
[Check out everything mentioned in the show here.]
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Mentioned in TODAY’S show
7 Effective Prayer Types for a Deeper Connection to God — Episode #129
Why Do We Have to Ask God if He Already Knows — Episode #130
