Praying in the Spirit: Awakened to His Presence

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 20).
“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself” (1 Corinthians 14:4).

Praying in the Spirit is one of the divine expressions of the Holy Spirit within the life of a believer. It is not merely an emotional experience,. It is a spiritual empowerment that strengthens the inner man and positions the believer for the active working of God’s nature and presence in every area of life. When a man prays in the Spirit, he builds himself up; he is edified, strengthened, and aligned with the purposes of God.

From the beginning, the Holy Spirit was present. In Genesis, we see the Spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters. As God spoke, creation came into being. The same Spirit who moved at creation now dwells within the believer. Yet His presence in us can seem subtle and quiet until it is stirred. The more we pray in the Spirit, the more we awaken that divine presence within. It is like drawing from a well that already exists inside of us. The Spirit is not absent; He is present. But prayer in the Spirit brings His activity to the surface of our lives.

Should every Christian pray in other tongues? Yes, it is necessary. But does every Christian pray in the Spirit? No. Many approach the matter from a religious standpoint rather than from faith. There were times in history when believers gathered in “waiting rooms,” longing to receive the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues. Yet the reality is that the Holy Spirit has already been poured out. Scripture says, “I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh” (Joel 2:28). The Spirit has been given. The question is not whether He has come, but whether we will respond in faith.

When the Spirit is poured upon all flesh, it is through our yielded response that His manifestation becomes visible. Speaking in other tongues is one of those manifestations. Many believers stop themselves when they begin to pray, thinking it is merely their flesh. But faith requires a step. Abraham was told to leave his father’s house without being shown the full territory he would inherit. As he walked in obedience, each step aligned him more fully with the promise of God. In the same way, when we begin to pray in the Spirit, we may not understand every syllable, but each step of faith aligns us with God’s will.

Praying in the Spirit is yielding to the Holy Ghost so that He can awaken His intentions through us. There is a level of faith we reach through understanding, but there is another dimension we enter when we pray beyond our own comprehension. As we pray in the Spirit, we move past limitation and into divine alignment. We pray the heart of God. We pray mysteries. We build ourselves up spiritually.

If you have not consciously received the infilling of the Holy Spirit and His gift of other tongues, receive by faith. The prayer is simple: “Blessed Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit. I receive Him by faith, and I receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Father, I receive the gift of other tongues.” Then begin to speak as the Spirit gives you utterance. Do not suppress what God is stirring. Yield, and allow Him to flow.

As we pray and fast, let us dedicate specific moments to pray in the Spirit—at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.—fifteen minutes in each watch. Pray in the Holy Spirit. Build yourself up. Stir the presence within. May every person who prays in the Spirit today pray the heart of God and experience the awakening power of His presence.

May it be well. God bless you.