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I hope this message finds you well. As we continue walking through this season of deepening our prayer lives, I want to take some time this week to write about something that can sound mysterious but is actually very practical and powerful - praying in the Spirit.
In Ephesians 6:18, Paul writes, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” At first glance, that might sound like something reserved for spiritual giants or moments of intense worship. But the truth is, this is an invitation for every believer, every day. To pray in the Spirit simply means to pray with the help, guidance, and power of the Holy Spirit.
We often approach prayer with a list of needs or a sense of obligation, maybe even a bit of anxiety about saying the right things. But praying in the Spirit invites us to slow down and tune in to God's presence. It’s a way of praying that flows out of relationship, not routine. The Holy Spirit is not just some distant force or occasional helper—we’re told He dwells within us. He knows our hearts better than we do. And He’s there to guide us, strengthen us, and even speak for us when we don’t have the words.
Sometimes, praying in the Spirit is as simple as beginning with a quiet breath and a whispered, “Holy Spirit, help me.” In those moments when you feel tired, distracted, or overwhelmed, it is not your ability to articulate perfect prayers that matters most. What matters is your willingness to lean on the Spirit who prays with you and for you.
I once heard a story about a little boy who wanted to write a letter to God. He couldn’t spell very well, and after a few scribbles and erasures, he finally just wrote, “Dear God, help,” and dropped it in the mailbox. His heart was in the right place—and honestly, that’s often what praying in the Spirit looks like. It’s not the length or eloquence of our prayers that move God, but the sincerity of our hearts and our openness to the Spirit’s help.
Imagine a child trying to reach something high on a shelf. No matter how much they stretch, it remains just out of reach. But then their parent comes along, lifts them up, and suddenly what was impossible becomes easy. That’s what the Holy Spirit does in prayer. He lifts us beyond our own limits and helps us reach the heart of the Father in ways we never could on our own. So, friends, I encourage you to make room for the Spirit as you pray. Before you begin, take a moment to pause and invite Him in. Let your heart speak more than your head. Don’t be afraid of silence—sometimes the Spirit speaks the loudest in the quietest moments. And when your emotions rise up, whether joy or sorrow, let those feelings draw you deeper into prayer rather than push you away from it.
You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be present. The Spirit meets you right where you are, and He will help carry your prayers when you feel like you’re not strong enough. What a comfort to know that even when we struggle to pray, we are never praying alone.
With love and grace, David Peñate.
