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Heard about the power of praying in the Spirit, but not sure how to do it yourself quite yet? Praying in the Spirit is an approach to prayer that can transform your spiritual life and bring you closer to God. It’s also something that anyone can practice. We’re here to show you how and answer all of your questions about this profound spiritual practice. Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to pray in the spirit.
Steps
Section 4 of 5:
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Find a special, private place for prayer. To open yourself to the Holy Spirit, it’s a good idea to find a place where you can relax, free of distractions. This might be a quiet place at home, a church during non-service hours, or a favorite spot in the woods. [5] X Research source
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Take some deep breaths to set your mind at ease. Praying in the Spirit is not something that you can rush, so take a few moments to center yourself and focus on the task at hand. Pay attention to your breathing, inhaling and exhaling in a deliberate and slow way. This will put you in the proper frame of mind to begin prayer. [6] X Research source
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Ask the Holy Spirit to aid you. Talk to the Holy Spirit as you would a person, asking Him to help you connect to God, the Father. You may decide to use a favorite prayer in order to help you invoke the Holy Spirit. After asking for the aid of the Holy Spirit, wait a few minutes so that His power can fill you and help direct your prayers. [7] X Research source
- For example, you might say something like, “Holy Spirit, please help me connect to God.”
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Let the Spirit lead you in prayer. After inviting the Holy Spirit into your prayer, you may feel moved to express praise toward God in words, or you may find that your feelings cannot be expressed in language. All kinds of prayer are acceptable. With the help of the Holy Spirit, God will direct your mind to prayers that are in keeping with His will. [8] X Research source
- The Holy Spirit may direct you to pray for other members of the community, the advance of the kingdom of God, or any other matter. Follow your heart when praying.
- For example, the Spirit might inspire you to make a prayer like, “I pray for the welfare of those suffering in my community, and to grow closer to You, my Lord.”
- You may end up praying for yourself—this is appropriate as well if the Holy Spirit guides you towards it, for as the Bible tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6).
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Practice praying in the Spirit every day. Even a few minutes of prayer each day is a meaningful way to grow closer to God. By invoking the Holy Spirit whenever you enter prayer, you’ll become much more familiar with the feeling of His presence. Like any skill, practice makes praying in the Spirit easier over time. [9] X Research source
- When you’re starting out practicing praying in the Spirit, it’s a good idea to keep a prayer journal. After each prayer session, write down how you felt, and whether you could sense the Holy Spirit moving you. [10] X Research source
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Section 5 of 5:
Sample Prayers to Invoke the Holy Spirit
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“Come, Holy Spirit” “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.” [11] X Research source
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“Come, Spirit, come” “Come, Holy Spirit, come. And from your celestial home shed a ray of light divine. Come, Father of the poor. Come, source of all our store. Come, within our bosoms shine. You, of comforters the best, You, the soul’s most welcome guest. Sweet refreshment here below, in our labor, rest most sweet, grateful coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe. O most blessed Light divine, shine within these hearts of yours, and our inmost being fill.” [12] X Research source
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“Spirit of wisdom and understanding” “Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love. Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. May we respect life as we work to solve problems of family and nation, economy and ecology. Spirit of God, spark our faith, hope and love into new action each day. Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence which penetrates all creation. Amen.” [13] X Research source
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References
- ↑ https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/praying-in-the-spirit/
- ↑ https://www.compellingtruth.org/praying-in-the-spirit.html
- ↑ https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/praying-in-the-spirit/
- ↑ https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/praying-in-the-spirit.html
- ↑ https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f461a98d9055e4b4326eeb3/t/60af6d837ac57d31b6d0aab3/1622109576450/CHS-Practice-03-Praying-in-the-Spirit.pdf
- ↑ https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f461a98d9055e4b4326eeb3/t/60af6d837ac57d31b6d0aab3/1622109576450/CHS-Practice-03-Praying-in-the-Spirit.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/how_to_pray
- ↑ https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/how_to_pray
- ↑ https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249547/this-is-the-prayer-to-the-holy-spirit-that-pope-francis-wants-every-catholic-to-know
- ↑ https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f461a98d9055e4b4326eeb3/t/60af6d837ac57d31b6d0aab3/1622109576450/CHS-Practice-03-Praying-in-the-Spirit.pdf
- ↑ https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=331
- ↑ https://www.marquette.edu/faith/veni-sancte-spiritus.php
- ↑ https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=336
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