The Holy Spirit’s Help In Prayer

By G. P. Raud

    We children of God are all infirm in prayer, every one of us. We know not how to pray; sometimes even our voices are infirm. But let us not be discouraged. Romans 8:26 says that God's Spirit leads us to pray: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities…." Our dependence must be on the Holy Spirit who never tires of prayer, who never tires of helping us pray.

    We should notice, however, some points in the Scriptures why the Holy Spirit does not have more possession of us, more power in us for prayer. One statement is found in Ephesians 2:29-30. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth…and grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed…."

    We cannot drive the Holy Spirit away from us because He abides with us forever, but by corrupt speech we can grieve Him and quench His working. Even an idle word grieves God; it hurts His operations. Besides that, it hurts others.

    Disobedience to God's will cuts our power in prayer. One of the great sins mentioned in the Word of God is not yielding ourselves fully to Him. Every child of God has been anointed for service, for a special commission (Eph. 2:10). I cannot urge you too seriously to keep your feet in the path of the Lord and your tongue in the way of the Lord. We must be at His disposal so that He can control us from head to foot. If you want your life to count for God, then let your spirit, soul, body, mind – everything – be in His hand. Otherwise, I can assure you that your life will have little fruit; your prayers will have little power.

    Now, the positive side. The Word of God says we can know boldness and intensity in prayer life. Prayer is not just saying words. Prayer is hard work, very hard work. It is a mighty conflict with the invisible principalities and powers; if we have not known that, we do not know what prayer is.

    The world is in distress and turmoil. We should be more upon our knees. How much time is wasted in our lives that could be spent in prayer? "But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer" (1 Pet. 4:7).

    – From Life Indeed.