Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom 8:26
This form of prayer is one aspect of the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer, when the burdens of life, and stresses and pressures that come into all our lives at some point, bring perplexities that may cloud our ability to make clear sound decisions. The road before us may seem a maze of roadblocks. We may see that there's possibly more than one way to deal with the problem, but, we can't see which way would be the best route to take. The Holy Ghost can give guidance, and also confirm if we are correct in our actions, and may give further instruction on how to proceed. The advantages to allowing the Holy Ghost in our daily lives, is invaluable. But, if we refuse Him access, we never learn these truths.
This is where the gift of prayer by the Holy Spirit is so important. Praying in the Spirit directed by the Holy Ghost, opens the spirit realm up, and He gives direction and wisdom in our decisions, and helps us in our infirmities, and gives strength to deal with the problems we are facing on a daily basis. This is rarely taught in churches, because the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not taught. Many pastors and bible teachers never touch this realm of prayer because they don't believe it's meant for today, and completely omit it. It's a great reason so many churches end up dead mausoleums.
Praying in the Spirit is described in Acts and 1Cor ch. 14-
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
See also: Act_2:11; Gen_11:6; Psa_55:9; 1Co_12:10; Rev_14:6
Some years after the first disciples and believers were baptized in the Holy Ghost-Paul came across some believers on his way, and asked them:
Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Act 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.
So, by this we see that Paul also spoke in tongues, and prayed in the Spirit; and when he prayed, other's also were filled with the Spirit and received this gift.
Shortly after my salvation in 1978, the Lord began to deal with me about this, and I tested this for several months, and the teachers in my fellowship kept directing me to scriptures and showing me what the Lord was offering us after our salvation-and the benefits of this gift. One day at a large gathering in Burlington Vt., I prayed for and received the Baptism in the Holy Ghost, and the evidence of His filling was given, I received the gift of tongues, and the prophetic calling was also placed upon me at the same time. This gift is ongoing, and it is meant for all believer's, the degree we walk in it, allow Him to use us, and how much we learn of Him, is always up to us. We are never forced to do anything. Jesus never forces Himself on anyone, and the gifts He offers are free for us to accept, or reject. But, if we never desire a deeper life with the gifts working in us, we are the ones who lose out, and it's us, who remain stunted in our walk with the Lord. I recommend doing a cross reference study on this subject, and especially read and study 1Cor chapter 14-the entire chapter. Pray and ask the Lord to direct you, and show you if what your reading is really from Him, and if He wants you to be willing to accept what the bible says. This was my prayer as a new believer, and He manifested Himself to me clearly, and His word came alive to me, and the Holy Ghost clearly showed me that what I was reading was the truth, and yes, the Lord intended this gift for me, as well as other gifts he has given over the years.
To learn of the gifts of the Spirit and their operations, go to 1Cor chapter 12, and again, do a cross reference study. This along with chapter 14 will bring understanding of how these gifts operate, and their diversities.
1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
There's many things that can be learned, and we can be assured God will not manifest Himself in us to cause us to do anything that is profane, bizarre, or destructive. When this goes on in a ministry they are out of order. I've watched it go on many times in the mega ministries and have grieved in my heart over their behavior. It dishonors the Lord, and is a terrible witness. David Wilkerson rebuked them publicly more than once and I've done it a few times in bible studies and conferences I've been in. But, I'll stress-the terrible behavior of these kinds of false ministries does not change the fact that God does not change; the gifts of the Holy Spirit are of God, and still are for today. It's up to each person, to decide to believe God's word, and apply it for themselves, and be willing to receive all that God intends for you. Anything that comes from the Lord, is evidenced by the fruit it produces.
When in intercession for nations, and events God puts on my heart, many times the Holy Ghost comes, and brings the unction of praying in tongues, and at times, the interpretation, and gives wisdom in how to pray with knowledge and understanding in the Spirit realm, that only God can give. This opens up the doors for the other gifts-the word of knowledge, and the word of wisdom to come into operation, and our minds are opened up so He can give us knowledge and guidance to a specific situation or person we are praying for, that only God has knowledge of-we become partners with God in this kind of spiritual interaction, that brings the power of God into the situation to be able to change the course of the events. This ability to commune with God on this level, comes with time, use of the gifts, and experience. Some examples of those who understood this was Daniel, the Apostle John, and Elijah.
Below are a few excerpts from commentaries that aid us in understanding:
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity. While we are waiting in hope, but suffering, the Spirit is a helper of our weakness. It not only strengthens us, but helps us in prayer.
We know not what to pray for as we ought. We often do not know, in our ignorance, what is best. This is especially true in the times of the greatest trial. It was even an experience of our Lord in extremity (Joh_12:27-28) and of Paul (Php_1:22-23).
But the Spirit itself. Observe the climax: The creation groans; we ourselves groan; the Spirit himself groans. The Spirit within us intercedes by groaning which are his, in that they are prompted by the Spirit. Augustine says: "It is not in himself, nor in the substance of the Eternal and Blessed Trinity that he groans, but in us because he makes us groan."
Groanings that cannot be uttered. Speechless groanings.
Knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit. These speechless groanings are understood by God, because it is according to his will that the Spirit intercedes. (B.W. Johnson)
"Likewise the Spirit - Nay, not only the universe, not only the children of God, but the Spirit of God also himself, as it were, groaneth, while he helpeth our infirmities, or weaknesses. Our understandings are weak, particularly in the things of God our desires are weak; our prayers are weak. We know not - Many times. What we should pray for - Much less are we able to pray for it as we ought: but the Spirit maketh intercession for us - In our hearts, even as Christ does in heaven. With groanings - The matter of which is from ourselves, but the Spirit forms them; and they are frequently inexpressible, even by the faithful themselves." (John Wesley)
This is where the gift of prayer by the Holy Spirit is so important. Praying in the Spirit directed by the Holy Ghost, opens the spirit realm up, and He gives direction and wisdom in our decisions, and helps us in our infirmities, and gives strength to deal with the problems we are facing on a daily basis. This is rarely taught in churches, because the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not taught. Many pastors and bible teachers never touch this realm of prayer because they don't believe it's meant for today, and completely omit it. It's a great reason so many churches end up dead mausoleums.
Praying in the Spirit is described in Acts and 1Cor ch. 14-
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
See also: Act_2:11; Gen_11:6; Psa_55:9; 1Co_12:10; Rev_14:6
Some years after the first disciples and believers were baptized in the Holy Ghost-Paul came across some believers on his way, and asked them:
Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Act 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.
So, by this we see that Paul also spoke in tongues, and prayed in the Spirit; and when he prayed, other's also were filled with the Spirit and received this gift.
Shortly after my salvation in 1978, the Lord began to deal with me about this, and I tested this for several months, and the teachers in my fellowship kept directing me to scriptures and showing me what the Lord was offering us after our salvation-and the benefits of this gift. One day at a large gathering in Burlington Vt., I prayed for and received the Baptism in the Holy Ghost, and the evidence of His filling was given, I received the gift of tongues, and the prophetic calling was also placed upon me at the same time. This gift is ongoing, and it is meant for all believer's, the degree we walk in it, allow Him to use us, and how much we learn of Him, is always up to us. We are never forced to do anything. Jesus never forces Himself on anyone, and the gifts He offers are free for us to accept, or reject. But, if we never desire a deeper life with the gifts working in us, we are the ones who lose out, and it's us, who remain stunted in our walk with the Lord. I recommend doing a cross reference study on this subject, and especially read and study 1Cor chapter 14-the entire chapter. Pray and ask the Lord to direct you, and show you if what your reading is really from Him, and if He wants you to be willing to accept what the bible says. This was my prayer as a new believer, and He manifested Himself to me clearly, and His word came alive to me, and the Holy Ghost clearly showed me that what I was reading was the truth, and yes, the Lord intended this gift for me, as well as other gifts he has given over the years.
To learn of the gifts of the Spirit and their operations, go to 1Cor chapter 12, and again, do a cross reference study. This along with chapter 14 will bring understanding of how these gifts operate, and their diversities.
1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
There's many things that can be learned, and we can be assured God will not manifest Himself in us to cause us to do anything that is profane, bizarre, or destructive. When this goes on in a ministry they are out of order. I've watched it go on many times in the mega ministries and have grieved in my heart over their behavior. It dishonors the Lord, and is a terrible witness. David Wilkerson rebuked them publicly more than once and I've done it a few times in bible studies and conferences I've been in. But, I'll stress-the terrible behavior of these kinds of false ministries does not change the fact that God does not change; the gifts of the Holy Spirit are of God, and still are for today. It's up to each person, to decide to believe God's word, and apply it for themselves, and be willing to receive all that God intends for you. Anything that comes from the Lord, is evidenced by the fruit it produces.
When in intercession for nations, and events God puts on my heart, many times the Holy Ghost comes, and brings the unction of praying in tongues, and at times, the interpretation, and gives wisdom in how to pray with knowledge and understanding in the Spirit realm, that only God can give. This opens up the doors for the other gifts-the word of knowledge, and the word of wisdom to come into operation, and our minds are opened up so He can give us knowledge and guidance to a specific situation or person we are praying for, that only God has knowledge of-we become partners with God in this kind of spiritual interaction, that brings the power of God into the situation to be able to change the course of the events. This ability to commune with God on this level, comes with time, use of the gifts, and experience. Some examples of those who understood this was Daniel, the Apostle John, and Elijah.
Below are a few excerpts from commentaries that aid us in understanding:
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity. While we are waiting in hope, but suffering, the Spirit is a helper of our weakness. It not only strengthens us, but helps us in prayer.
We know not what to pray for as we ought. We often do not know, in our ignorance, what is best. This is especially true in the times of the greatest trial. It was even an experience of our Lord in extremity (Joh_12:27-28) and of Paul (Php_1:22-23).
But the Spirit itself. Observe the climax: The creation groans; we ourselves groan; the Spirit himself groans. The Spirit within us intercedes by groaning which are his, in that they are prompted by the Spirit. Augustine says: "It is not in himself, nor in the substance of the Eternal and Blessed Trinity that he groans, but in us because he makes us groan."
Groanings that cannot be uttered. Speechless groanings.
Knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit. These speechless groanings are understood by God, because it is according to his will that the Spirit intercedes. (B.W. Johnson)
"Likewise the Spirit - Nay, not only the universe, not only the children of God, but the Spirit of God also himself, as it were, groaneth, while he helpeth our infirmities, or weaknesses. Our understandings are weak, particularly in the things of God our desires are weak; our prayers are weak. We know not - Many times. What we should pray for - Much less are we able to pray for it as we ought: but the Spirit maketh intercession for us - In our hearts, even as Christ does in heaven. With groanings - The matter of which is from ourselves, but the Spirit forms them; and they are frequently inexpressible, even by the faithful themselves." (John Wesley)
DIFFERING SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Each believer, being an heir of God, has the same amount of grace placed to his credit in the heavenly bank, on which he can draw in time of need. This is the parable of the pounds. Each servant received the same amount. But there are great diversities in the gifts with which we are endowed. Some have five talents, others two, and large numbers only one. A full enumeration of these gifts is made in 1Co_12:8-11, and it is a comfort to learn that to everyone something is allotted, 1Co_12:7; 1Co_12:11.
Notice that the allotment is made by the Holy Spirit acting sovereignly as He will, 1Co_12:11. We are not informed when it is made-perhaps it is at the moment of our regeneration or adoption-but it is important to bear in mind that our gifts will probably correspond with our natural endowment. Hence our Lord tells us that to every man was given according to his several ability, Mat_25:15.
Mark the allusion to the Divine Trinity: the same Spirit, 1Co_12:4; the same Lord, 1Co_12:5; the same God, 1Co_12:6. The Spirit directs, the Savior is the channel of supply, and the Father is the fountain of all. (F.B. Meyer)
Summary:
There's only one way to learn where, and how much these gifts apply to you, that's for you to decide for yourself if you desire to want to come to understand the deeper things of God-or not. No one can do it for you. Many never get beyond this point, because you learn also, it's going to cost you, in many ways. It will be a question of how much do you want to surrender your own will, to serve God. Most aren't willing to pay the cost.
Speaking personally, my desire to learn the deeper things of God has been an ever growing hunger, and one I've never been able to fully satisfy. I keep seeking every day, and what I've learned to this point, only drives me on to know more of Him, and keep seeking Him more. There is nothing to compare with Him. My God, is a consuming fire.
Lorna Couillard
Notice that the allotment is made by the Holy Spirit acting sovereignly as He will, 1Co_12:11. We are not informed when it is made-perhaps it is at the moment of our regeneration or adoption-but it is important to bear in mind that our gifts will probably correspond with our natural endowment. Hence our Lord tells us that to every man was given according to his several ability, Mat_25:15.
Mark the allusion to the Divine Trinity: the same Spirit, 1Co_12:4; the same Lord, 1Co_12:5; the same God, 1Co_12:6. The Spirit directs, the Savior is the channel of supply, and the Father is the fountain of all. (F.B. Meyer)
Summary:
There's only one way to learn where, and how much these gifts apply to you, that's for you to decide for yourself if you desire to want to come to understand the deeper things of God-or not. No one can do it for you. Many never get beyond this point, because you learn also, it's going to cost you, in many ways. It will be a question of how much do you want to surrender your own will, to serve God. Most aren't willing to pay the cost.
Speaking personally, my desire to learn the deeper things of God has been an ever growing hunger, and one I've never been able to fully satisfy. I keep seeking every day, and what I've learned to this point, only drives me on to know more of Him, and keep seeking Him more. There is nothing to compare with Him. My God, is a consuming fire.
Lorna Couillard
