Praying by the power of the Holy Spirit
We pray to the Father, through the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the bridge that restores our relationship with the Father, making it possible for us to come boldly before God.
Before His ascension to heaven, Jesus promised His disciples a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who would dwell within them and guide them in truth. Let us now explore the Holy Spirit’s beautiful and vital role in our prayer lives, and whether we should offer prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Prayer isn’t just speaking to God, it’s a divine partnership powered by the Holy Spirit. Through Him, our prayers gain depth, clarity and strength beyond our own words. The Holy Spirit helps us connect with the Father’s heart, guiding our thoughts and interceding when we don’t know what to say. In this article, we’ll uncover what praying through the Holy Spirit looks like, the power of the Holy Spirit in our prayer lives and how it relates to our relationship with God.
Should we pray to the Holy Spirit?
This is a very honest and intellectual question. Why shouldn’t we just pray to Jesus or God directly? Think of it like this...when you’re in trouble or need a friend to talk to, who do you call first? Usually, the one closest to you. In the same way, God sent Jesus to us, and when Jesus returned to the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the closest presence we have to call upon. Believers are called to pray by the power of the Holy Spirit, letting Him guide and empower our prayers. Romans 8:26-27 says, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Ephesians 6:18 adds, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Through the Spirit, our prayers are strengthened, aligned with God’s will and drawn into deeper intimacy with Him.
The power of the Holy Spirit in prayer
The power of the Holy Spirit in prayer refers to the Spirit’s role in guiding, strengthening and enabling our prayers in ways that go beyond our natural ability. Essentially, it’s about praying in alignment with God’s will, with the help of the Spirit, rather than relying solely on our own understanding.
Key aspects of this power:
Intercession beyond words: Romans 8:26-27 teaches that the Spirit intercedes for us “with groanings too deep for words.” When we don’t know what to pray or how to express our needs, the Spirit communicates our hearts directly to God.
Alignment with God’s will: The Spirit ensures our prayers are not just wishful thinking but are in accordance with God’s purposes. Praying in the Spirit helps us ask for what God desires, not just what we think we need.
Spiritual strength and perseverance: Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” The Spirit empowers us to pray consistently, even when we feel weak, too busy or heavy in our hearts.
Transformation through prayer: When we pray in the Spirit our hearts, attitudes and desires are shaped by God. This brings personal growth, increased faith and a deeper intimacy with Him.
The power of the Holy Spirit in prayer turns ordinary words and intentions into spiritually effective and God-centered communication.
What about worshipping the Holy Spirit?
Worshipping the Holy Spirit is a topic that can be confusing to understand, partly because of the triune nature of who God is. Christians direct their worship to God the Father, through Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is NOT the Father, but always works in unity with Him and the Son. The Spirit’s role is to glorify God, guide us, and empower our faith.
How it works in practice:
Through Spirit-led worship: When we worship The Father, the Holy Spirit guides our hearts and deepens spiritual intimacy. John 4:24 says, “God (The Father) is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” This shows that the Spirit enables authentic worship to the Father rather than being the object of worship Himself.
Acknowledging the Spirit’s work: We can thank and honour the Holy Spirit for His role in convicting our hearts, giving comfort and interceding in prayer, but this is different from worshiping which is reserved for the Father alone.
Unity with the Trinity: Worship is always directed to God the Father through Jesus Christ, and we do this with the Spirit’s power. The Spirit never acts independently of the Father and the Son in the context of worship.
How to invite the Holy Spirit into your prayers
There are many ways to invite the Holy Spirit into your prayers. Consider trying something like this, but feel free to put it into your own words!
Prayer Inviting the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, I invite You into this moment of prayer.
Come and guide my heart, my mind and my words.
Help me to pray not by my own strength, but through Your power.
Teach me to align my desires with God’s will and to trust Your wisdom when I cannot find the right words.
Fill me with Your peace, courage and understanding.
Intercede for me when I am weak and lead me closer to the Father.
May every thought, every word and every intention of this prayer be shaped by You, Holy Spirit.
Come, dwell in me, empower me and let Your presence transform my heart today.
Amen.
What is the difference between the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost?
Many wonder if there’s a real difference between the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost. Learn where the terms come from and what they truly mean for your faith today.