“Praying in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 20)

The unique characteristic of authentic Christian prayer is it’s  “In the Holy Spirit.” Since the Day of Pentecost, every saint is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This makes effective prayer possible, because the Holy Spirit knows the will of God, so saints can pray according to His will.

“We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:12).

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14–15).

“The anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things” (1 John 2:27).

Saints are supposed to pray “always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18). And sometimes, “we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself … makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26–27).

Praying in the Holy Spirit is full of humility. The Holy Spirit never puffs us up with pride. His anointing convicts saints of their own failings, so they pray with grace and mercy.

Praying in the Holy Spirit is full of love. The Holy Spirit saturates our requests with love for sinners, love for saints, and love for Christ.

Praying in the Holy Spirit is full of faith. The Holy Spirit is the author of faith, and strengthens it, so we can pray, believing God’s promises.

Oh, blessed Helper, anoint our prayers, so we know what to ask of God, according to His will.

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