You are here:
Assembly of God/Eph.
Advertisement
Question
Greg
ephesians 6:18 tells us to, "pray in the spirit."
How does one pray in the spirit?
Thanks
Bob
Dear Bob,
Greetings! This is Elder Greg Madden from All Experts. Earlier this year you asked a question of me in the Assmebly of God category. Because of extending circumstances I was removed from this category. Those situations have been resolved, and I am now reinstated in this category. If there is any way that I could be of further assistance to you please let me know.
Thanks again, and God bless!
Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1
-----------------------------------------------------------
Bob,
Thank you for this great question. To pray in the Spirit is when a born-again Christian who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit speaks in their prayer language, or if you will, tongues. Let me share with you what the Bible means by praying in the spirit. The context of this text in Eph. is also brought out in these verses...
Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
8:26
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.
Notice that the Bible teaches us that to pray in the Spirit is to pray in such a way that our own language as inefficient, and we need the Holy Spirit to help us to pray.
1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
14:2
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1 Corinthians 14:15
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1 Cor. 12,13, and 14 clearly define praying in the Spirit as praying in tongues.
Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Here we see that it is the Holy Spirit Who prays through us. Therefore this is to pray in the Spirit.
Jude 1:20
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
The Lord divinely inspired Jude to write this verse showing us that when we pray in the Spirit this would build up, and edify our faith.
However Bob, this does not mean that a born-again Believer must pray in tongues to pray. Notice Eph. 6:18 says to "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit..." There are many ways for Christians to pray, and we are in no way limited to praying in tongues. We cab also pray in the Spirit by being under His guidance and influence, by His assistance according to the rule of His word, with faith, fervency, and earnestness. This too is praying in the Holy Ghost.
Bob, please let me know if this helps, or if you have any further questions.
Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks for the answer bob | ||
Related Articles
Elder Greg Madden
Expertise
As a born again, Holy Ghost filled minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I am available to answer questions concerning most all Biblical doctrines, the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, "Pentecostal/Apostolic" issues, and the history of the Pentecostal movement.
For more info check out our web site at... I gave my heart to the Lord a few months after being married during a revival meeting. A few weeks later I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and I have not been the same since!
In those twenty five years we have only attended one church (Harvest Church), and there I have served there as an Elder for fourteen years. We minister in song with the choir and worship team. I am also the new member’s class coordinator, men's ministry director, and the Harvest Riders motorcycle ministry president.
In 1993 the Lord called me to "...preach the Gospel where ever I open the door..." I have had the privilege of ministering God's Word to churches in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. In those meetings we have seen the Lord save, heal, deliver, and fill people will His Spirit.
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1Experience
Organizations
I am ordained through Harvest Church, and with the World Harvest Ministerial Fellowship. I also am a licensed minister with the State of Oklahoma.
Education/Credentials
I am currantly enrolled with the Ames Bible College.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.