Praying in the Holy Spirit

2024-07-02

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). The Lord Jesus is our intercessor in heaven.

However, we also have an intercessor within: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27).

As Ridout has said, I also have had plenty of times where the words for prayer do not come; they “cannot be uttered.” I am not even sure what to say. But the Spirit prays on our behalf in our weakness for us. The Father surely knows our concerns; our bond with the Spirit makes this intercession possible.

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 1:20-21). Amid many false prophets that seek to steer the church away from the truth, we must pray in the Holy Spirit, who builds us up. We continue looking for the coming of the Lord as we do so.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:17-18). As we are in spiritual battle all the time, we pray in the Spirit. We do not pray to the Spirit, but rather in the Spirit, because He is near and within.