Praying in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18-24

Driving through Albuquerque, I observed a guy standing on a street corner with Bible in hand. Since it was rush hour, and all the lanes were filled on both streets, it was nearly impossible to distinguish any thing he said above the roar of the traffic. When the light changed, less than two minutes after I stopped, I probably would not have been impacted if I could have heard him. While there were hundreds of people passing by, there was almost no possibility of anyone hearing enough to desire to learn more. Almost any other approach to spreading the gospel would have been more effective, whether placing tracts on cars in a parking lot, or visiting in a hospital, or just talking to people at a ball game.

So often we get caught up in a religious activity with no consideration whether it is effective or not. The street preacher may have been putting out the word of God, but it was not entering the hearts. It was like the seed that fell by the wayside in the story of the sower. There was no possibility of growing. The seed was scattered, but not sown, although many would have been impressed by his dedication, but he was ineffective.

Paul instructs us in how to pray that other believers may be effective in their witnessing, redeeming rather than wasting time, and especially for himself.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:18-20)

A key feature in his instruction is praying in the Spirit. Rather than trying to impress others with our prayers, or trying to pressure God into doing what we want, which Matthew 6:5-8 forbids, we’ll allow the Holy Spirit to direct our prayers. Romans 8:26-27 explains , “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

Paul’s request was not just that they’d pray that he’d be able to speak boldly, but boldly in a way that people heard and understood, that he would be an effective ambassador, as God would want.

Effective prayer requires a sincere interest in those we are praying for. This requires a personal connection, a personal interest. It also requires an awareness of how God is working to maintain real concern. Paul sends some personal information to help in their prayers. Generic prayers are of little value. God knows what is in the heart.

“But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” (Ephesians 6:21-24)

Though couched in different words, he concludes By expressing a desire for them to experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and to receive God’s wonderful gifts.