I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. 1 Corinthians 14:15 (NLT)
Praying in the spirit (also called praying in tongues) is the next type of prayer we’ll talk about in our series about prayer.
When you pray in the spirit, you’re not praying in a language that you understand, but in one that God understands. The Message version of 1 Corinthians 14:2 puts it this way: “If you praise him in the private language of tongues, God understands you but no one else does, for you are sharing intimacies just between you and him.”
Many believers find praying in the spirit a great way to reenergize. When I’m feeling drained or the pressure of life is getting to me, I can spend a few minutes praying in the spirit and feel new strength rising up in me. First Corinthians 14:4 (NLT) explains the process this way, “A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally”, Jude 1:20–21 also says that praying in the spirit helps you to “keep yourselves safe in God’s love.” It helps you experience God’s love.
Praying in the spirit also benefits others. When I get a sense that I should pray for someone, but I don’t know why, I’ll pray in the spirit. According to Romans 8:26-27, Holy Spirit prays through me at these times “according to the will of God.” He prays the perfect prayer for the situation using my voice.
Do you need to boost your energy? Or do you sometimes feel impressed to pray for someone, but you don’t know why? Ask Holy Spirit to help you pray in the spirit so you can pray God’s will over their situation.