Pray With the Spirit

June 19, 2022

Preaching is preferred, says Paul, above speaking in foreign languages that only

builds the ego of the speaker (1 Corinthians 14:4). He also says in the next verse

that the one who preaches the gospel is superior to the one who speaks in tongues!

He commands, by the Holy Spirit, that Christians use speech ‘easy to be

understood’ instead of blowing into the air (1 Corinthians 14:9). This is especially

true when it comes to prayer and “praying with the spirit”. We are commanded to

“excel to the building up of the church” instead of self. After all we want to be

productive instead of ‘unfruitful’. Therefore, we pray “With the spirit and

understanding also” (1 Corinthians 14:15). It is possible to bless in a foreign

language but no one can say ‘amen’ because they cannot understand. This is self-

centered and does not build up anyone but the sinful person. It cannot and does not

edify the church and is a hindrance to humility and example. So, praying in the

spirit might be more clearly understood as praying in accord with the Holy Spirit’s

commandments rather than in an excited, emotional, and self-promoting expression.

The Holy Spirit urges – prompts – us to “be not children in understanding but be

men when it comes to wisdom” (1 Corinthians 14:20). In the church Paul says, I

had rather speak five words with understanding so as to teach others than ten

thousand words in Greek (1 Corinthians 14:19). You might say that is a misquote,

but it conveys the sense of the passage especially since most of us do not now speak

Greek. Instead of speaking a language that needs interpretation let us speak clearly

to each other and also clearly to God in our prayers and petitions. Praying and

singing with understanding according to the Spirits direction, will bring forth the

fruit of the Spirit which is love. Love that supersedes even faith and hope, and

which never fails. This is what we really need - that which accomplishes good and

builds up every Christian. Walking with Christ, walking in the spirit, and walking

according to the Word, means that we are always praying ‘Thy will be done not my

own'. Let our prayer be his prayer and discover the impact of humility and service

upon the fellowship. Amen!

Dr. Kenneth E. Morrison