Why Should We Pray in the Holy Spirit?

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,” (Jude 1:20). This verse from Jude points to two key things for our spiritual journey: building up our faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.

Dove of the Holy Spirit (alabaster stained glass, Chair of Saint Peter, Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City), ca. 1660, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Dnalor 01 (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spiritus_Sanctus.jpg), Spiritus Sanctus, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/at/deed.en

It’s clear that faith is absolutely essential in prayer. As Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Jesus Himself backed this up, promising, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22). So, simply put, for our prayers to be effective, faith must be present.

Further, 1 John 5:14 gives us this great assurance: “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” But, there’s a big question: how do we know our prayers are lining up with God’s will? Since we know that if we pray what God wants, He hears us. But how do we figure out what that is? This is where the Holy Spirit steps in.

Romans 8:26-27 gives us a wonderful elaboration on the role of the Holy Spirit: “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.” The above passage makes it clear that the Holy Spirit acts as our helper, praying through us in perfect alignment with God’s will.

Thus, in essence, when we pray in the Holy Spirit, we’re actually praying for things which the LORD wants us to pray about. This means our prayers aren’t just heard, but they’re incredibly effective because they’re in sync with His perfect plan for us. That’s why we can be truly confident that what we ask for will be provided by the LORD.

This is why we ought to pray in the Holy Spirit. Let’s make it a habit, then, to pray in the Holy Spirit with faith. When we do, we can trust that we will receive the blessings and answers the LORD has for us. Amen.

Click here to read this post in Tamil - ஏன் பரிசுத்த ஆவிக்குள் ஜெபிக்க வேண்டும்?