READING: Daniel 11-12, Jude 1
“But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.”
Jude 1:20-21
It’s one of the things that most fascinates me about Christianity – that God Himself lives within us through His Holy Spirit. In the power of the Spirit, we can live as God calls us to live. That is, we grow in faith, live in the love of God, trust the mercy of God, reach out to those who doubt, lead others to salvation, and fight for holiness (Jude 1:20-22). More specifically, we have the privilege to “pray in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 1:20).
To “pray in the Spirit” in this case is not likely some supernatural sense of speaking in tongues, but it’s nonetheless incredible. That is to say, we’re privileged to pray to the God who created the world, and He listens to us. To pray “in the Spirit” is to pray in accordance with the work and will of the Spirit living in us, and we understand that will via God’s Word. The Spirit inspired men to write the Word, helps us to understand that Word, and empowers us to live out that Word. When we live that way, our prayer channel is wide open.
I don’t want sin to hinder my prayers, and I don’t have to live in sin—for the Spirit gives me strength. I don’t want bitterness to get in the way of my talking with God, but that doesn’t have to happen, either – because the Spirit continues to work on my heart. I don’t want a lack of faith to halt my prayers, either, but I have the Spirit to encourage and challenge me. Because I’m never alone – because God lives in me – I can pray in the Spirit.
That’s a blessing I too often take for granted.
ACTION STEPS:
- Express to God your gratitude for His Spirit dwelling in you.
- Follow the Spirit’s lead in all you do today.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for Your Spirit. Your plan is amazing.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Hosea 1-4, Revelation 1
