Praying in the Spirit

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:18 NIV

To pray in the Spirit is to pray with the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

It is to align our desires with God's will rather than just our own. It is a prayer that is led by God and relies on the spirit to shape our desires, to direct our thoughts and give power to our prayers according to God's will.

This is the priority of the verse, 'to pray in the spirit.' In linguistics, order speaks to priority.

Praying according to God's will is first and foremost on the mind of the author (Paul) before adding 'on all occasions.' It may easy to become complacent, prioritising ourselves, becoming more 'self focused' as opposed to 'God focused.' It acts as a reminder.

Paul's instruction notes 'all kinds of prayers and requests.' It's not just 'all the time' but for 'all kinds of prayers and requests.' A prayer can refer to a broad communication with God which can include requests which can be specific in asking for something. It can be more direct for a specific need or desire. Paul instructs us to ensure that our specific needs or desires are aligned with Gods will and not just our own.

With the above in mind (directing our thoughts to Gods will) we are to be 'alert' which is ongoing and considerate in 'always praying for all the Lords people.' It attests to being mindful of and 'always' caring for 'all' the Lords people. It's 'all' encompassing.

We are to pray with the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, every time we pray, about everything we pray for on an ongoing basis, always being mindful and considerate of praying for every one of God's people.