Praying in the Spirit

“Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18).

Pentecostals misunderstand this phrase, pray in the spirit. They think it is referring to speaking in tongues. It is not.

Pray in Union with the Spirit

To pray in the Spirit is to pray in union with the Spirit. That is, to pray according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides the prayer through an inward urging.

And yes, this does include speaking in tongues. But it just not exclusive to that. As it is clear in the context of the passage. It includes every prayer and supplication.

Practical Guidance

And praying in the Spirit does not mean that the words are necessarily given to you. Sometimes it’s more like a prayer list. Somebody will come to mind, or some situation, and that is what the Spirit wants you to pray about.

So next time someone pops into your mind, maybe you should try praying for that person. Or if a situation comes into your mind, pray for that situation. In both cases, this is praying in the Spirit.

Published by

Jay Forrest

Dr. Jay N. Forrest is an Ordained Interfaith Minister and Certified Meditation Teacher who guides others on the Mystic Way through contemplative teaching and interspiritual insight.Since becoming a Christian in 1983 and earning his Doctorate in Ministry, Jay has served within a rich range of Christian traditions—including Pentecostal, Charismatic, Baptist, Methodist, and Liberal Catholic churches—and provided compassionate care as a Hospice Chaplain.His journey has also led him through catechism studies with the Orthodox Church in America, minor orders in the Liberal Catholic Church, and over two decades of Buddhist study and practice. His path is one of depth, integration, and a lifelong dedication to the transformative power of spiritual practice.



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