Praying in the Spirit.
"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
~Ephesians 6:18
What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? And what are the benefits of it?
In John 16, Jesus tells His disciples that He is going away but promises to send the Holy Spirit, another Helper, just like Himself. The Holy Spirit is given to guide us into truth and remind us of all that Jesus has said. When we become followers of Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit. He becomes our daily guide, comforter, and—importantly—our partner in prayer.
To pray in the Spirit means we pray in a way that is led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It's more about listening than speaking. It’s being sensitive to what the Spirit is saying rather than rushing in with a list of our own concerns. It’s prayer that aligns with God’s heart.
Consider these verses:
Romans 8:14 (NLT)
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God."
Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)
"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. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will."
Here are a few key truths to remember about praying in the Spirit:
1. God Has Things He Wants Us to Pray For
God isn’t distant or uninterested. He desires a partnership with His people through prayer.
1 John 5:14 reminds us that God hears us when we ask according to His will. Romans 8:26 shows us that the Holy Spirit knows exactly what those things are, even when we don’t.
2. The Holy Spirit Aligns Our Prayers with God’s Will
One of the Spirit's roles is to lead us to truth. When we invite Him into our prayer time, He guides us to pray in alignment with God's will.
If you’re unsure what to pray, take a moment to ask, “Holy Spirit, what’s on Your heart right now?” Then wait. Listen. He’ll speak.
3. You Are Never Alone When You Pray
Even when words escape you or emotions overwhelm you, the Holy Spirit is with you—interceding, advocating, and praying on your behalf. You are never alone in prayer, even when silence surrounds you.
A Simple Prayer to Begin With
One of the most powerful prayers in Scripture comes from a young boy named Samuel. In 1 Samuel 3, when he hears God’s voice but doesn’t yet understand it, the priest Eli gives him this advice:
“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”
That’s an excellent place for any of us to start when we want to pray in the Spirit.
So, next time you sit down to pray, try beginning like this:
“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”