What does it really mean to “pray in the Spirit?” It seems that people often have pretty strong reactions to this idea, and some people think it is only for certain specific people. In this message, I just want to demystify and simplify what it means to pray in the Spriit. I think this could be the most liberating message in this series.
Lifegroup Discussion Questions below!
If you are the group leader, have everyone in your group turn to this page on their mobile devices. Share the reading, and be sure the group is open for everyone to participate.
What have been your prior perceptions of praying in the Spirit? Have you had some experiences with it in the past?
On Sunday, we used this definition of praying in the Spirit:
Praying so that the Spirit is the MOVING and GUIDING power.
What do you think about that definition? Is that a more open definition? Or does that close the door for you?
What does it mean for the Spirit to “move” you to pray?
What does it mean for the Spirit to “guide” your prayers?
Romans 8:26 NLT
The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
What does this verse say about the Spirit guiding in our prayer life?
Why do you think we feel hindered about prayer? Why is it that when it is time to pray in our groups, so often it gets really, really quiet? Is the Spirit not moving?
The Prayer of the Early Church
The early church prayer was DIFFERENT. Remember the story? Did someone in your group miss it on Sunday? Take just a minute to review it (Acts 3 & 4) together.
- Peter & John Headed for Prayer Service at Temple (3:1)
- INTENTLY LOOKED at lame man, healed (3:4-8)
- Everyone astounded (3:9-11)
- Peter, now with an audience, preached Jesus (3:12-26)
- Leaders greatly disturbed (4:1-2)
- Peter & John thrown in jail (4:3)
- The Gospel does not return void, people continue to get saved (4:4)
- The council demands an explanation the next morning(4:5-7)
- Peter preaches Jesus AGAIN! (4:8-14)
- The council doesn’t know what to do (4:15-17)
- Disciples ordered to NEVER preach Jesus again (4:18)
- “We can’t stop!” (4:19)
- Council threatens and threatens, releases.. For now. (4:21-22)
- Peter & John go report the believers (4:23)
- Everyone Prayed (4:24-30)
Here is what they asked for:
Acts 4:29-30 NLT
And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
They prayed for more of the same thing that got Peter and John thrown in jail in the first place. This is bold. This is praying with Kingdom alignment. Is that like our prayers? Are we praying “Your Kingdom come?”
What is the typical prayer… Isn’t it for protection, guidance, safety, security?
Ask your group this question:
Do we pray in reaction to fear, or in response to the Spirit?
Ephesians 6:18 NLT
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Can fear-based prayers even be real prayers?
James 4:2-3 NLT
You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong- you want only what will give you pleasure.
So we have to pray with “kingdom alignment.” (like the early church had, above.)
How can we know we have the Spirit? The Galatian church struggled with a similar question, and this is how the Apostle Paul answered it…
Galatians 3:2-5 NLT
Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4 Have you experienced* so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?
5 I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.
So how hard is this? Does this really need to be a big deal? Why don’t we just pray together in the Spirit?
Galatians 5:16 NLT
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.