THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PRAYER

Welcome back to this series on prayer. If you have missed any previous posts you can click here to catch up.
 
In this post we are focusing on the Holy Spirit and prayer. There are many scripture references to the Holy Spirit in reference to prayer or praying.  How do we make sense of these?
 
Writing to the Ephesians, Paul established the role of the Holy Spirit in every true believer’s prayer life. He described prayer warfare, the devil’s schemes, and the armour that equips the one who prays for victory (Ephesians 6:10-17).
 
Concluding this section, Paul commanded his readers to, “Pray in the Spirit,” meaning with the help of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).
 
There are three points to be made at this point.
 
The Holy Spirit Helps Us Pray
 
Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26).
 
If we were to be honest, most of us would have to admit we don’t often know what we ought to pray. At times it’s difficult to understand fully our needs and to face our true condition.

When others request our prayers, we possess even less insight. Therefore, instruction from the Holy Spirit is necessary. He gives insight and leads us along the line our prayer is to move so that it may correspond with the will of God.
 
The Holy Spirit Brings Power to Prayer
 
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you,” (John 14:26).

The Holy Spirit gives Christian prayer power beyond anything ever before known in the history of world religions.

Every prayer skill that we lack, the Holy Spirit can provide. He is with us forever. We know Him. He lives with us and is in us. He makes our hearts into good homes for Jesus and the Father. (See John 14:23.)

But how exactly do we pray using the power of the Holy Spirit? We only need to pray, “Come Holy Spirit” and give the Spirit permission to pray through us.

Set aside quiet time when you allow the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind what you already know or have experienced in prayer with Him. Thank Him for being the guardian of your life and of your prayers. Then pray, “Come Holy Spirit” and wait for Him to speak new and wonderful prayers through you.

As we pray with the power of the Holy Spirit, He brings things to our minds we have long forgotten. He warns us of dangers we cannot foresee, opens our insights into Who Jesus is and applies supernatural healing to wounds we have forgotten we suffered. He points out our need for confession of sins that we would rather not face and helps us pray for a future we cannot yet imagine.

The phrase “full of the Holy Spirit” is used frequently in the book of Acts. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is a command. And power comes with the Holy Spirit.
 
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,” (Acts 1:8).
 
His Fullness if for Everyone who Prays
 
Jesus promised us that the Holy Spirit would be with us forever (John 14:16). He was not given only to first century Christians, but to all in every century who seek him. To receive the Holy Spirit’s fullness and power, we must respond to God’s plan.
 

1. We must recognize our need for His fullness.
   At conversion, the Holy Spirit as the third member of the Trinity enters the believer’s life as a resident. No one can live the Christian life and not have the Holy Spirit. Paul said that if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ (Romans 8:9).
   However, as a new believer, my understanding is very limited. In the growth process, I soon discover that I am not perfect. Human weaknesses show me that I need help. When I am weak, then I am strong, because His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
   Until I recognize my weakness, I do not qualify to receive the Spirit’s strength. The conviction felt within is the work of the Holy Spirit, leading me to recognize my need for the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
   
   
2. We must yield to God’s will.
   The Holy Spirit fills those who give themselves entirely to Him. Although it is true that He is living in our hearts, we may not be allowing Him complete rule of our lives.
   We are to present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice and we are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). This means fully surrendering to God every part of our being and every aspect of our daily living. When we surrender all, He fills us. Our surrender changes His role from resident to ruler. He is in charge.
   
   
3. We must claim cleansing.
   John clearly states that for Christians, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). To be filled with the Holy Spirit, the believer must also deal with every known sin and ask for that deep cleansing that makes us pure from sin. As we maintain that attitude of surrender and obedience, the Holy Spirit fills and continues cleansing us from moment to moment.
   
   But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin,” (1 John 1:7).
   
   
4. Faith is required for fullness
   All of God’s gifts are received by faith.
   
   “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him,” (Luke 11:13).
   
   When conditions are met, the Holy Spirit is received by faith. If you really desire to pray powerfully, then ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
   
   

What about you?
 
When Paul says the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26), what do you think he meant by weaknesses? What do you consider weaknesses?
 
Paul also says that the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words can’t express (Romans 8:37). Can you share an experience where you felt weak and knew the Holy Spirit was speaking your longings?

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