How does one pray in the Spirit, especially when reading prayers in church?
How does one pray in the Spirit, especially when reading prayers in church?
Ephesians 6:1 - 24
ESV - 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise).
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Asked 3 days ago
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John Adamson
Supporter
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Mark Vestal
Supporter
“Praying in the Spirit” (Eph 6:18) is about prayer from heartfelt sincerity rather than empty speech. It is prayer from a believer who has access “by one Spirit unto the Father” (Eph 2:18). It is prayer that we could be unaware of making physically, but where the Spirit assists when we don’t know what to say (Rom 8:26–27). It can also be prayer that we mean, believe, and understand (1 Cor 14:15). It is not a “church voice,” a ritual, or reading of words with an absent heart. It is not trying to impress others with many phrases. It is not repeating words while our minds are disengaged (Matt 6:7; 1 Tim 1:6). Therefore, a written/read prayer in church can absolutely be “in the Spirit” if we truly agree with it in our hearts (basically, believe what we're praying). But if it is only recited with no sincerity, it could very well be the type of “vain” prayer Scripture warns of. There are occasions when I will have mental thoughts of gratitude for God's forgiveness through Christ crucified for my sins, and I take comfort in believing that the Spirit has lifted my thanks up to Him.
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