THINGS YOU NEED TO DO NOW - TO MAKE IT (PART# 3)

3.) Praying "in the Spirit" -

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." - Romans 8:26.

There is a powerful prayer tool that comes by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. Paul makes mention in several different scriptures of instances in his own life when the Holy Spirit "took over" and prayed through and for him on his behalf and others. However, there is a large misconception about praying "in the Spirit" that must be addressed and placed in its proper prospective. Many believers have not tapped into this powerful tool of praying "in the Spirit" due to a great miss-teaching that praying "in the Spirit" solely means praying "in tongues." The Bible does teach that there are "heavenly" prayer languages and Watchmen Ministries stands firm on the belief that these types of prayers are still in effect today.

However, praying "in the Spirit" actually means praying "according/for the direct will of God", whether that be in a heavenly language or with understanding. For example, the word of God states, " If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) So, if someone prays for "wisdom", he/she is praying "in the Spirit" - because the scriptures expressly command us to do so. So, in your endeavour to build your storehouse of faith through bible study, when you discover God's will for your life through the scriptures - pray for it! That is truly praying "in the Spirit". Praying for those things that God has already stated in His word that He wants for you will guarantee your prayer life to be "fervent and effectual". To give our readers a good "kick-start" to an "effectual and fervent" prayer life that is "in the Spirit", the Holy Spirit has permitted Watchmen to provide this list of things "directly pertaining to God's will for your life" -

1) Those who have not yet received - The Baptism of the Holy Ghost - Acts 2:38-39.

2) Those who have received - a fresh infilling - Ephesians 5:18.

3) All believers - to "align" your time and purpose with that of God's - Ecclesiastes 3:17

4) Serious, intentional believers - an intimate "heart-covenant" relationship with God - John 17:20-24.

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." - James 4:3.

The main key to having an effective prayer life is "motive". Most believers do not experience an effective prayer life because their prayers are selfish and focused inward - 90% of the prayer is all about the one praying and 10% praying for others. Beloved, make the main intent of your prayers about becoming more like Jesus, seeking God's glory, about being a blessing to God and others - this will insure your prayer life is the most effective it can be - this is truly praying "in the Spirit"!