We are to pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers. Prayer is essential, and there is not one kind of prayer. Praying in the Spirit means all prayer that is led and inspired by the Spirit. This includes praying in tongues, but is much more than this. All prayer that is in faith, is led by God, is in accordance with His word is prayer in the Spirit. It includes long prayers, short prayers, prayers for people, prayers for nations, prayers for unbelievers, prayers for the church, you name it, it is included. It can include prayer that is very formal and follows a liturgy, and an include extempore prayer. Equally, both liturgical and extempore prayer can be totally devoid of the Spirit. Praying in line with the Spirit is the key feature.
We need to be alert if we are to do this. I think most of us find that it is very easy not to pray! We need to choose to pray. It is particularly important to pray for God's people. Why? Because God's primary means of acting in the world is through His people.
Although Paul was such a great apostle, he knew that his "success" was utterly dependent upon God. So he needed the prayers of the people in order to have the boldness and wisdom to declare the good news to people. And the prayers of all Christians are powerful, we all pray as God's children.
We need to be alert if we are to do this. I think most of us find that it is very easy not to pray! We need to choose to pray. It is particularly important to pray for God's people. Why? Because God's primary means of acting in the world is through His people.
Although Paul was such a great apostle, he knew that his "success" was utterly dependent upon God. So he needed the prayers of the people in order to have the boldness and wisdom to declare the good news to people. And the prayers of all Christians are powerful, we all pray as God's children.
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