Spiritual Armor: Pray in the Spirit
Tuesday, November 5
Spiritual Armor: Pray in the Spirit 🙏
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18
To understand what it means to pray in the Spirit, we might consider the opposite: praying in the flesh. The flesh represents our sin nature. One source says “the flesh refers to that part of us that is alienated from God, It is the rebellious, unruly and obstinate part of our inner self.” When Paul says to “pray in the Spirit,” he’s inviting us to go beyond surface-level requests. To pray in the flesh would be to pray without the help or consideration of the Holy Spirit. Praying in the flesh focuses on the ability of the one praying.
Praying in the Spirit means leaning into God’s guidance, allowing Him to shape our words, our intentions, and our heart’s desires. This kind of prayer aligns our will with God’s, helping us to focus not only on our personal needs but also on the needs of others. It’s a call to engage deeply with God, letting His Spirit move us and pray through us.
Paul’s words here call us to live a life immersed in prayer. He isn’t simply advising us to pray once a day or to say a quick prayer before meals. Instead, he urges us to pray at all times and on every occasion, with a heart that remains alert and unwavering. This is a call to cultivate a relationship with God that permeates every moment and every aspect of our lives.
Prayer is our constant communication with God. Through prayer, we draw on His strength and guidance.
Today, make time for intentional, spirit-lead prayer. Let your prayers be open, honest, and directed by God’s Spirit.
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to pray in the Spirit, to seek You constantly, and to be alert and persistent in prayer. Help me to pray according to Your will in every situation. Teach me to care for others through my prayers and to trust that You are working even when I cannot see it. Strengthen me as I lift up my fellow believers, that together we may grow closer to You. Amen.