Praying in the Spirit
Every Christian is involved in warfare with the enemy with eternal consequences at stake. This battle is as real as any ever fought on this earth between nations. The battle is between the kingdom of God and the Kingdom of darkness. Paul describes this as a wrestling match, which is up close and personal. So an important question, then, is what does it mean to pray in the Spirit? A brief definition would be that we pray in the Spirit when our prayers are prompted by the Holy Spirit.
Ellen White wrote in her book “The Desire of Ages” We must not only pray in Christ name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that the Spirit makes intercession for us, with groaning which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26) such prayer God delights to answer”.
It is the Holy Spirit that calls us to prayer. He will show us some great need to pray for because God wants to begin acting in meeting that need. We read such an experience in the case of Jesus praying for Peter in (Luke 22:31, 32).
Let us taste of mercy, lead us to confess our sins. Bring us to rejoice fully in you as we pray in the Spirit.
Supporting Scripture; (Eph.6:12), (Matt. 20:22), (Ehp. 6:18)
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- In Paul’s description of the spiritual warfare in which in we are engaged with Satan, what did he say about prayer?
- Tell me you story. How did pray change your life?
- Do you desire to be a Christian who prays in the Spirit? If so what steps can you take to make this a reality?
Prayer Activities
- Call your Partner and discuss this devotional.
- Contact the people on your prayer list and let them know you are still praying for them.
- Pray with then and ask for the following;
- For God to continue to convict you with the Holy Spirit.
- For God to direct you prayers by the Holy Spirit.
- For the individuals on your pray list.
- That we continue to seek the Holy Spirit.
- For today use the following Bible Verse in your prayer (Ps.90:14).
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40 Days of study 
So this just goes to show, we never know everything. I learned something new here today. If I got this right anyway. So not every prayer is prompted by the Holy Spirit? Does this mean the Spirit only interpruts(sp) our moanings and such when the prayer is prompted by the Spirit? I still have so much to learn about prayer. That is why I have been so hesitant to pray out loud in a group. I speak to God as I would a dear friend but still try to keep respect and awe in place too. Thanks for the help with yesterdays study by the way.
We all still have a lot to learn, but it is groups like this and others that make us srtonger.
I would think the Holy Spirit trys to lead us in all areas of our lives, especially in prayer.
I have many experiences where I’ve prayed (whether I knew I was led or not) and it’s came true. It’s especially special when I prayed spefically and it happens as asked. I think it’s important to pray specifically so that our faith is encouraged and strenghten. We pray, and let God’s will be done. We may not get everything we want, but we should trust God.
I agree if we leave it in God’s hands life is always better.
I too, can think of so many prayers that were answered quickly. Two years ago comes to mind 🙂 Still I guess I just didn’t think about two different sets of prayers. I am so thankful that we have the Holy Spirit to help us in all we do.
Two different sets of prayers? I would like to hear about you answered prayer one day. They’re always good testimonies…maybe during potluck you could share.
Yes I agree Rosie maybe we can talk about that as well, well I am off to bed it late here and I have to work with the Jr’s this week. now that’s work
I believe that with out God watching over us through the Holy Spirit, Satan would have destoryed us by now.
Bob, I am curious as you are writing about prayer its efficacy for the believer. You cite Ellen White and her comments on prayer. She also wrote that the following quote re: Satan, Christ’s work as mediator and the believer.
“To hold the people in darkness and impenitence till the Saviour’s mediation is ended, and there is no longer a sacrifice for sin, is the object which he [Satan] seeks to accomplish.”
Her comment is this correct?
Yes I believe what Mrs. White wrote was correct.
But your post is incomplete; here is what Mrs. White says in her book (The Great Controversy, chapter 32, Snares of Satan pages 519, 520)
“The great controversy between Christ and Satan, that has been carried forward for nearly six thousand years, is soon to close; and the wicked one redoubles his efforts to defeat the work of Christ in man’s behalf and to fasten souls in his snares. To hold the people in darkness and impenitence till the Saviour’s mediation is ended, and there is no longer a sacrifice for sin, is the object which he seeks to accomplish.
When there is no special effort made to resist his power, when indifference prevails in the church and the world, Satan is not concerned; for he is in no danger of losing those whom he is leading captive at his will. But when the attention is called to eternal things, and souls are inquiring, “What must I do to be saved?” he is on the ground, seeking to match his power against the power of Christ and to counteract the influence of the Holy Spirit.
The Scriptures declare that upon one occasion, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan came also among them (Job 1:6), not to bow before the Eternal King, but to further his own malicious designs against the righteous. With the same object he is in attendance when men assemble for the worship of God. Though hidden from sight, he is working with all diligence to control the minds of the worshipers. Like a skillful general he lays his plans beforehand. As he sees the messenger of God searching the Scriptures, he takes note of the subject to be presented to the people. Then he employs all his cunning and shrewdness so to control circumstances that the message may not reach those whom he is deceiving on that very point. The one who most needs the warning will be urged into some business transaction which requires his presence, or will by some other means be prevented from hearing the words that might prove to him a savor of life unto life.
Again, Satan sees the Lord’s servants burdened because of the spiritual darkness that enshrouds the people. He hears their earnest prayers for divine grace and power to break the spell of indifference, carelessness, and indolence. Then with renewed zeal he plies his arts. He tempts men to the indulgence of appetite or to some other form of self-gratification, and thus benumbs their sensibilities so that they fail to hear the very things which they most need to learn.
Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to engross the mind. There has ever been a class professing godliness, who, instead of following on to know the truth, make it their religion to seek some fault of character or error of faith in those with whom they do not agree. Such are Satan’s right-hand helpers. Accusers of the brethren are not few, and they are always active when God is at work and His servants are rendering Him true homage. They will put a false coloring upon the words and acts of those who love and obey the truth. They will represent the most earnest, zealous, self-denying servants of Christ as deceived or deceivers. It is their work to misrepresent the motives of every true and noble deed, to circulate insinuations, and arouse suspicion in the minds of the inexperienced. In every conceivable manner they will seek to cause that which is pure and righteous to be regarded as foul and deceptive.
But none need be deceived concerning them. It may be readily seen whose children they are, whose example they follow, and whose work they do. “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16. Their course resembles that of Satan, the envenomed slanderer, “the accuser of our brethren.” Revelation 12:10.
Yes, thank you for confirming that. Then I did read the correct quote in context on the EGW Estates website. Then Mrs. White is saying in the preceding five (5) paragraphs of her opening statement on Page 518 which is
“To hold the people in darkness and impenitence till the Saviour’s mediation is ended, and there is no longer a sacrifice for sin, is the object which he [Satan] seeks to accomplish.”
all occurs till the time Jesus is no longer our advocate (i.e., “till the Saviour’s mediation is ended”), and there’s no more sacrifice for sin.
So my question is when and what is this time? and
how does that align with what I read in Scripture
” 23 The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 723-25 NASB).
Wire Dog,
I am at our campmeeting here in Alaska and I do not have a lot of time but I do want to resond to your question. So will try to answer by Monday but if not I promise I will respond too you by the following week.this July I am on the road umtil the last week. but if you look for a book by Marvin Moore I think it is called “living in hte end times” it talks about how there will be a time when Jesus moves from the Hevanly Sannctuary, just before the 2nd coming.
But like I said I will resond to you by the 29th
Bob