Pray in the Spirit

Read: Ephesians 6:18
Listen: Ephesians 6

This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. February’s focus is The Spirit’s Help in Prayer.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

Paul writes to a group of believers in Ephesus who are facing a wide range of spiritual trials and temptations. As part of his counsel, he instructs them to put on the full armor of God, which will enable them to fight spiritual battles and resist the attacks of the enemy. In the grand conclusion to that armor and defense against temptation, Paul urges these believers to pray. More specifically, he calls them to pray “in the Spirit.” Since they have been sealed with God’s Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), they are to live and pray according to the leading of God’s Spirit.

Just like the church in Ephesus two thousand years ago, we face spiritual battles that require God’s power through prayer. Praying in the Spirit means depending on the Holy Spirit to guide us as we pray. The Spirit empowers us to live and pray as God desires us to—loving others and always “praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18). As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the Spirit aligns our hearts with God’s desires and prompts us to intercede for fellow believers. This way of life requires us to prioritize prayer and time in the Word, allowing the Spirit to transform how we think and pray.

TODAY: Pray in the Spirit by using God’s Word to pray for others. Choose a command or promise from Scripture and turn it into a prayer for someone else. For example, if you choose Hebrews 13:5, you might pray: “Father, please enable ___________ to know your presence and be content with your provision.”