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

What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? Is this something meant for all believers in Christ? There are varying opinions on what it means to pray in the Spirit, but if praying in the Spirit was not meant for all believers, Paul would not be encouraging all believers to pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. 

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.” (Charles Pope)

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. 

Paul’s encouragement to pray in the Spirit comes in Paul’s final word to the Ephesian church: to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Praying in the Spirit is not about how long we pray or how well we pray. Praying in the Spirit is relying on the Holy Spirit to direct your prayer. Prayer in the Spirit is born from an intimate relationship with God the Father. It’s prayer in which we patently trust God to hear and respond. It’s praying with divine help.