The Silent Sovereign: Pray in the Spirit

by David Chadwick

This week, we are examining what it looks like to live a life yielded to the Silent Sovereign, also known as the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls us to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14), and to pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).

What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? Well, it's actually pretty simple. As you pray, listen to the Spirit's promptings in your heart. Take note of what comes to your mind and pray in unison with these promptings. Pray God's Word as you read it. You're never safer than when you are praying something in unison with God's Word.

In order to do this, you must find times of silence during your day to hear God's voice and to know how to pray. Then, as he highlights certain things on your heart, pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Throughout your day, remain in constant communion with the Father, sharing your heart with him and praying for the things that he puts on your heart. You may be in your car, on a football field, sitting with a child or grandchild, taking an elevator up to a meeting, or shopping in a grocery store. You can pray anywhere!

Keep praying. Even when it is silent. Even when you don't know how to pray. Don't be concerned. The Bible even tells us that there will be times where we have groanings too deep for words. When that happens, the Spirit is interceding on your behalf before the Father in heaven and praying the exact words you need to pray (Romans 8:26).

The bottom line is this: when the Spirit leads you to pray, pray! Continually. Repetitively. Quietly. Loudly. With words. With groanings too deep for words. But don't stop praying and believing. Your faith will grow and grow. And your life in the Spirit will become stronger and stronger.

I pray that the body of Christ will be ignited in these coming years to pray. And that as we do, we will experience a unity like never before. A unity that will see answers to prayers, miracles, healings, and a love for one another that will shock the unbelieving world!

To God alone be the glory.