On our side of the cross—the resurrection side—I have always thought that there is no method to prayer. Jesus said that a day was coming when God’s people would worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. That day is today, and prayer is a Spirit-led endeavor because He lives in us.
I have found, however, that there must be some “methods” to prayer, if it is to be Spirit-led. Though we are new creations, the flesh does still exist and it is our “weakness.” It has desires and can mislead us into prayer that excludes the Holy Spirit. Our faith is what joins us with the Holy Spirit. Now faith belongs to your soul, not your flesh. To overcome the flesh, faith must lead and then respond to the Spirit of Christ during prayer.
To exclude your flesh (and invite the Holy Spirit), begin your prayers with praise and adoration for the Lord. You all know what He has done for you on the cross, and to you through His resurrection and the giving of His Spirit. But how do you know these things? You know them by faith. Therefore, to speak them aloud as you begin praying is to exclude your flesh and let faith reign over it. This is a great beginning; it is truth. The Truth will set you free to enter prayer by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said,
“When He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what he hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.” Jn 16:13
This exciting passage is a reference to what the Spirit was sent to do for us through prayer. He will respond! As you speak what you know, by faith, of the glory, greatness, and love of God, be aware that you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you and will begin to intercede. He loves the Truth. He is with you to bring glory to Jesus through you. Even as you are speaking, you must begin to listen. He can give you thoughts and words.
Now faith has done more for you than only opening your eyes to know that Jesus is the Messiah. It has humbled you in His Presence. Faith is always humble, trusting only in the Lordship of Almighty God, by the grace of Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when you pray, it is good to admit aloud to God that you do not know the answer to what you are praying about. To seek an answer is to seek Christ! This is why we pray. Our preconceived ideas of what should or should not take place are like whisps of cotton in the wind. If it is from the Spirit, He will encourage you as you pray. If it is not, let Him blow it away, that He might bring in something new.
Spirit-led prayer is a conversation. There is giving and receiving. If you invite a friend over to talk, but you never stop talking, your friend will just stay quiet and look for an opportunity to leave. Speak, but also listen. “In quietness and in trust is your strength.” As you become more attentive to what is happening, you will become aware of times when you are saying words just to say them. It is an old habit rooted in what we once thought about prayer. Sometimes we just don’t know what to say. Pour out your heart and then listen.
Finally, do not forget to thank Him for prayers answered, healing given, and peace that rises from within. The flesh cannot be thankful; it dwells in anxiety and neediness. By faith, you can thank the Lord even when it makes no sense.
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