Scripture: Jude 1:20
You have probably heard the phrase, “prayer changes things.” This familiar and often repeated statement has long since reached cliché status. But make no mistake: the words are no less true. However, should we look at prayer itself as a sort of “magical cure all”? I think not. What is it that makes prayer so powerful? It is the God in whom we trust that makes prayer so powerful. Understanding this simple truth, we should look at the kind of prayer that changes things.
Our verses above state emphatically that we should “pray in the Spirit.” But what does it actually mean to pray in the Spirit? Before we explain what it means, let us first make clear what it does not mean.
Many believe and conclude that praying in the Spirit means to pray in tongues, or in a “prayer language.” But what about the prayers of those who do not adhere to this belief? Are their prayers any less meaningful because they do not meet this specific criterion? And while this writer believes that speaking in tongues can be a viable part of the Christian life, it is not universal. And it is because of this that the aforementioned interpretation cannot bear up under scrutiny. It is true the Spirit intercedes for us when we pray, but does this have anything to do with speaking in tongues? We read from the apostle Paul:
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27).
This rather is the Holy Spirit operating in His intercessory ministry; the disciples and others were never said to be “groaning” in tongues, they spoke in tongues. The word “groanings” here refers to sighing (especially brought on by circumstances creating great pressure). How many times have we found ourselves in situations where we simply did not know what or how to pray?_ Pastor Michael Jakes. By all means pray.
Reflect personally on what it means to pray in the Spirit.
