Praying in the Spirit

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

16Rejoice evermore. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19Quench not the Spirit.

Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

What wonderful habits to get into. Practicing these two examples of prayer and thanksgiving till they become as natural as breathing, will open up the "experience" of "praying in the Spirit" a new level of prayer for most. 

Most people only ever get as far as "praying" a list, a carnal type of participation that was ingrained in us by whomever was responsible for our "religious" upbringing. That usually doesn't change unless we become "students" of Scripture coming across verses like the above and being challenged by posts like these. 

Rejoicing ever more, praying without ceasing, in everything giving thanks, and quenching not the Spirit, is being obedient to God's will in Christ Jesus as it concerns us elevating and deepening our "spiritual awareness" to new heights. We will actually begin to "pray through", have satisfaction in prayer, grow our faith because we "receive" answers to our prayers, and become confident that "Emmanuel, God with us", really is. To say the least that entering into prayer with rejoicing, thanksgiving, and praise is the fastest way to "get into the Holy Spirit" letting Him "pray through you" with groans and utterances that one cannot know. That's the most powerful type of prayer there is. All prayer is effective and necessary but praying in the Spirit is most humbling, edifying, faith building, and powerful application that can be made. Not only that but it also encourages one to "pray" more so as to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit "coming along side" to participate with you.

And yes here is where I add my latest experience of both "entering in" and "participation" with "praying in the Spirit." 

It can happen anywhere and anytime as this "sharing" will attest too.

Most of my deep prayer experiences usually happen between 4 am and 7 am and sometimes will also include new revelation in Scripture: an explanation, or application that I have not known before.

But, this time it took place while Elise and I were watching tv and I felt the Holy Spirit beckoning me into His presence and prayer.

Starting out with praise then moving quickly into thanksgiving with rejoicing, I was drawn into prayer for my wife Elise. My eyes were open but I lost cognizance of the tv and started "praying" with my mind as God gave the words, repeating them quietly, Elise not knowing. Soon, as the Apostle Paul states, "pray with your mind and also with your spirit" this transformation started to take over "mind to spirit". Words began to flow without thought or effort and my heart broke for the privileged of being allowed to participate in such a "sacred oneness" with the Holy Spirit. I was most aware of His leading and "joined" my heart and spirit to His, noting all that was said deep in my heart. I experience, at one time, both prayer, praise, thanksgiving, rejoicing and worship, again all at once, simultaneously. It was a perfect mixture of "participating" with Him, His Spirit, just as I can imagine that it would be like in heaven. In that prayer moment, (I don't know how long it lasted but for sure many minutes), I could see His hand in the "continuance" of my wife, how God has used her to glorify His name, how many people were (and will be) effected by her testimony, not counting the impact this has had on our children, their spouses, and grandchildren, friends and relatives. It was (in the form of a vision/premonition) like trying to take a drink from a tidal wave, to capture it all. Although it consisted only of words given and prayed it also was in form like a canvas coming to life with those words to form a visual presentation. I could not help but to silently weep humbled by the presence of God and His Unconditional Love for not only Elise and I but also for all of mankind from Adam and Eve till "Kingdom come". How that He, the God of all creation, would fulfill His promise to be "Emanuel, God with us" including me, a broke down bricklayer who has nothing more to offer than humbly to serve Him at His behest.

As I have stated before: "this is only a beginners participation" in Christianity. Our faith should be a continuing "experience" in the communing with God our Father. Man with his Creator. As Father and son. Always growing daily in intimacy and familiarity with Him on earth till we are reunited with Him in heaven. 

I exhort you all who read this put this to a challenge. Take time to spend with Him quietly, waiting on Him to move in your heart and reveal His presence to you. 

Invite Him to be your "Emanuel", God with you.

I hope you have been encouraged. I have.

Love in Christ

J&E in Tn