July 15, 2012 Spirit Prayer

Spirit Prayer Jude 20-21 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. WHAT is it to “pray in the Holy Spirit”? Some would say it is being given a special power from God’s Spirit, who enables them to see and discern certain truths in their prayer time. Some interpret this as having an intimacy with God that allows them to pray in the same way the Spirit prays for each person. Both views are correct in that some are given special gifts of heavenly knowledge and understanding God’s Word for their lives and others’ lives. But Jude is reminding all of us that we all can “pray in the Holy Spirit” as a result of obeying God’s teachings. The prophet Zechariah says it this way: “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication.” (Zech 12:10) In this language you see that God is willing to pour out his grace to you and he will receive your prayers. “Praying in the Holy Spirit” also means you pray in confidence and with great love for God, your heavenly Father as Paul declares in Romans 8:15: For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Prayer is a great gift. Prayer in line with God’s Spirit draws you near to God. Use this gift to draw near to God, and you will clearly hear the Spirit’s voice for you. It’s True! Spirit powered prayer will empower you.