The Holy Spirit: Our Helper in Prayer
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of prayer, helping us in our weaknesses. Often, we do not know how we ought to pray, but He inspires and empowers us to pray effectively. Romans 8:26 reminds us, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”
When you embrace the Spirit of prayer, supernatural changes can take place in your life.
Prayer Led by the Holy Spirit
Prayer becomes beautiful and powerful when led by the Holy Spirit. There are times when His presence will prompt you to pray, and other times when you will need to begin praying before feeling His presence. As you continue worshiping or talking to God, His tangible presence will often fill and surround you, making prayer a profound experience.
The Holy Spirit as Our Intercessor
A remarkable truth is that the Holy Spirit within us is the ultimate Intercessor. Whether you’re on a packed bus, in the kitchen, or studying, the Holy Spirit is constantly interceding on your behalf before the Father. Moreover, He often inspires others across the world to pray for us through dreams, visions, or thoughts.
The Holy Spirit also prompts us to pray for others by placing their faces or names in our minds, urging us to intercede for them immediately.
Praying in the Spirit
The Bible speaks about “praying in the Spirit,” which includes several dimensions:
- Inspiration to Pray: The Holy Spirit inspires us to pray specific prayers for particular needs.
- Gift of Tongues: When unsure of what to pray, speaking in tongues allows you to pray in the Spirit.
- Holy Spirit’s Guidance: The Spirit provides words or sentences in your native language to articulate prayers.
- Groaning in the Spirit: This is a deeper level of prayer where the Spirit expresses inexpressible groans through us.
Levels of Praying in the Spirit
- Inspired Prayer with Repetition: The Holy Spirit inspires you to pray during a session and brings the same burden back in future prayers.
- Constant Intercession: Carry the prayer burden throughout your day, praying in your heart until the burden lifts.
- You’ll know the burden has lifted when you feel peace, joy, a breakthrough, or the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit.
- Dedicated Prayer Time: Release yourself from distractions and pray until the burden lifts, as exemplified by a blacksmith who prayed fervently until he felt peace, leading to the repentance of many.
- Persistent Prayer: You may carry a prayer burden for days, weeks, or months until the answer comes, as Daniel prayed for 21 days (Daniel 10:3-4).
- Prayer with Fasting: Combining fasting with prayer intensifies its power. Examples include Ezra’s fasting for safe travel (Ezra 8:23) and Moses fasting for forty days on the mountain (Deuteronomy 10:10).
Sensitivity in Prayer
When burdened by the Holy Spirit to pray for someone, avoid interfering in their lives unless prompted by God. Many well-meaning believers make the mistake of advising others instead of focusing on intercession. Pray faithfully and speak only when directed by the Spirit.
Conclusion
If we were more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, the world would be a better place. Prayer, when led by the Spirit, transforms lives and brings divine breakthroughs.
For deeper insights into the power of prayer, explore “When We Pray: Be Renewed by the Power of Prayer.”
