Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
Text: Ephesians 6:18
INVOLVEMENT OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD IN PRAYER
It is not without significance that Paul mentioned “the Spirit” with reference to “prayer and supplication”. The Spirit of God is truly involved in our prayer efforts.
1. The many roles the Spirit of God plays in our life
The Spirit of God plays many roles in the life of each and every believer. We have a short list of some of the most basic roles the Holy Spirit plays in the life of the believer.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
these are sons of God.
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear,
but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,
‘Abba, Father.’
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are
children of God.
ROMANS 8:14-16
a) He is called “the Spirit of adoption”.
What does this mean? Let us consider the following thoughts:-
i) He is the One who applies the principle of adoption in our life.
ii) He is the Seal and the Guarantee that we are indeed children of God.
b) He leads the children of God in life.
i) Unfortunately, many children of God do not know how to apply this truth.
ii) Those who know appreciate and enjoy the leading of the Spirit of God.
c) He bears witness to us that we are indeed God’s children.
i) He communes with our human spirit.
ii) He assures our spirit that we are truly God’s own children.
2. The Spirit of God and prayer
Paul specifically declares in this text that the Spirit of God teaches us how to pray.
a) He teaches us how to regard God as “Abba, Father”.
b) He will also teach us how to offer up “prayers and supplications”.
SENSITIVE AND OBEDIENT TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD
One of the great challenges for every believer is to learn how to be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit of God. Another great challenge is to learn how to respond in swift obedience His leading in the school of prayer and supplication. One of the principles God works with in our Christian faith is “prayer and supplication”. Hence, it would be vital that we learn how to respond swiftly to the leading of the Spirit of God.