And pray in the Spirit on all occasions … with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Summary: Today’s passage leads us to look at another letter of Paul’s where he expands on this topic of praying in the Spirit.
Paul differentiates between “prayers” and “requests” for a reason. The word “request” means to ask for something. The word “prayer,” can mean asking for something, but it also includes things like praise, adoration, confession, intercession, and blessings. To pray “in the Spirit” adds another dimension to this topic.
One passage that comes to mind when Paul says, “Pray in the Spirit,” is his first letter to the Corinthians. In the first eleven verses of chapter twelve, Paul discusses the gifts of the Spirit.
Interestingly, the very first thing that Paul does in this passage is echo John’s words when he says, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) Paul tells us that “no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3) This is how we know the voice of the Spirit.
He then goes on to list various gifts of the Spirit, but first, he points out that these gifts are for the “common good” (1 Corinthians 12: 7). These are not gifts to be hoarded, or enjoyed selfishly, but rather gifts to be shared.
One of these gifts is a “message of wisdom.” (Verse 8) James tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) James confirms Paul’s message and encourages us to ask for this gift.
Paul tells us that a “message of knowledge” is another gift. Some call this a “word of knowledge” from God (KJV). God, speaking through his Spirit, can provide us with amazing insights into ourselves, into others, and into our times. Sometimes, a word from God can touch us in surprising ways. God can touch our hearts and provide comfort and encouragement beyond measure.
Paul continues his letter describing additional gifts that God gives his people. As we see in today’s passage, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is not a complete list but a sampling of what God can give us.
Our God is a loving God. We see the depth of his love in the sacrifice he made for us on the cross. We see it in the lengths he goes to forgive us of our sins. We are truly blessed, and more so if we spend time in prayer, praying in the Spirit.
Application: Pray!
Food for Thought: How do you know if God has answered your prayer?
We know if we pray according to His will He will answer affirmatively. 1 John 5: 14 – 15. As you mentioned, we know if we pray for wisdom He will grant it, as that is His will according to His word. We can approach Him with confidence to receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. Hebrews 4: 16. Sometimes He will answer with a no or a wait. In which case we need to trust His will and His loving kindness toward us.
But to be honest, sometimes I don’t know if He answered my prayer or not. And that may be when I need to trust Him the most.
Thank you, Rich.
I can appreciate your honesty. There are times we don’t recognize God’s answer, or in my case, times where the answer comes after I’ve forgotten the question.
I like the question and the verse that comes to my mind is Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.’”
I think this verse came to mind for me because I recently prayed about something, not once, but a few times. The thing is each time I prayed, the prayer shifted from a “fix” to my problem to a “change” in my heart. Then I woke up one morning and in my heart there was no doubt about what would happen that day. It was as if it had already happened in my mind and heart, and then it did. When it did what I felt was gratitude, not relief.
Not sure if that answered the question. Its not like we get a ticket number when we pray and then a follow up email saying “you’re ticket has been resolved.” The evidence of answered prayer is in our lives.
Chris,
I really like your example of prayer changing the pray-er. There is a lot of truth in this story of yours. Thank you for sharing!
11-14-2023, How do you know if God has answered your prayer?
I’m with Rich, often, I just don’t always know when He will answer, but I never doubt He has heard me, and I always know His answer will come according to His will, in His timing, and in His way.
I know Jesus Christ is in my heart because I prayed, and I know I have grown in Christ, have great peace in my heart toward my God, and my wife and I live very comfortably knowing He is Sovereign in all things, because we pray.
Jesus tells us, If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7, 14:13-14. And in Mathew 7:7-11 He adds we must be persistent in our prayers.
Ron,
Thank you! I like the emphasis on persistence. That ties in with Chris’s comment (and I know from personal experience how persistent in prayer Rich can be!). I can also appreciate your emphasis on His will, His timing, and His way.
Thank you!