“PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT”

INTRO: Praying in the spirit can have a dramatic impact on your life and your praying!

I. RECEIVE THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
A. Acts 1:4-5, 8
1. Jesus gave a sense of urgency to receiving the Holy Spirit.
2. Primary purpose: empowerment for ministry.
B. Acts 2:1-4 – they spoke in tongues when they received.
C. Acts 2:37-39 - his is for all generations – including ours!
D. Acts 10:44-48 - Cornelius’ household spoke in tongues.
E. Acts 19:1-7 – The Ephesians spoke in tongues.
II. PRAY IN THE SPIRIT (in tongues)
A. 1Cor. 14:2, 4a-5a
1. We speak to God and speak mysteries in the spirit (v. 2)!
2. We edify (build up) ourselves (v. 4a)!
3. Paul desired that we would all speak with tongues (v. 5a).
B. 1Cor. 14:14-19, 23, 39-40
1. Our spirit prays what the Spirit gives us to pray (v. 14).
2. We should learn to pray & sing with the spirit (v. 15).
3. We can give God thanks by praying in tongues (vv. 16-17).
4. Paul prayed in tongues more than anyone else did (v. 18).
C. Jude 1:20 – Praying in tongues builds up our faith.
D. Rom. 8:26-27 –When praying in tongues, the Holy Spirit:
1. Helps us to pray for the right thing the right way (v. 26a).
2. Prays through us according to God’s will (vv. 26b-27; 1Jn.5:14-15).
E. John 16:12-15
1. Jesus has things to say to us by His Holy Spirit (v. 12).
2. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth (v. 13a).
3. The Holy Spirit will tell us things to come (vv. 13b-15; Phil.2:1 2Cor. 13:14).
III. The example of Dave Roberson (The Walk Of The Spirit - The Walk Of Power)

CONCLUSION: Praying in the spirit can have a tremendous impact on your life! Are you? Will you?