Forward: 21 Days of Fasting and PrayerSample

PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

“Words cannot express how I feel” - this phrase can sometimes describe our emotions when we encounter a difficult or impossible situation. Overwhelmed by our circumstances, we often struggle in knowing what to pray for or how to pray. When we don’t know what to pray for or how to pray, the Holy Spirit will help us!

The Holy Spirit helps us to pray when we don’t know how to pray. In Romans 8, Paul describes the Holy Spirit as a Helper who helps us in our weaknesses. When our words fail us, the Spirit steps in, praying and interceding on our behalf, with “groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” These prayers are prayers that God understands, because the Spirit is able to communicate perfectly with God.

The Holy Spirit helps us to pray according to God’s will. Sometimes, we pray with the wrong motives or for the wrong reasons. Because the Holy Spirit understands God’s will perfectly, He helps us to pray according to God’s will.

Let’s cultivate the habit of setting aside time daily to pray in the Spirit. Every prayer matters to God. Whatever the request, the Holy Spirit who lives in us knows our request and how to approach the Father. 

Reflect:

• Before you pray for God to move in a difficult or impossible situation, begin by first asking the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s will and purpose, so that you can pray according to His will.
• List down some reasons why it can sometimes feel difficult to pray in the Spirit (e.g. it’s hard to stay focused). Ask Him to give you the strength to persist and perseverance in prayer.

Prayer:

Dear God, I thank you for the Holy Spirit. Give me a desire to not rely on my own understanding, but on the Spirit who will lead me to pray prayers that are aligned with Your will. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.