Ask Dr. Youssef: “What does it mean to ‘pray in the Spirit’?”

QUESTION:

“What does it mean to ‘pray in the Spirit’?”

ANSWER:

The healthiest, most powerful prayer life is one that is devoted to intercession for others. I feel more blessed than you can imagine when I’m praying for other people. A self-absorbed, self-obsessed prayer life is weak and ineffectual because it is not praying in the Spirit. A strong and vibrant prayer life is not focused on “my wants” and “my agenda.” It’s not focused on “me” at all. It’s focused on the spiritual welfare of others. It’s focused on God’s agenda.

When Jesus said, “[S]eek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33), He was telling us that our foremost priority should be aligning our lives with God’s purposes and character. When we ask God to advance His Kingdom in our lives, prayer becomes less about our personal wish list and more about reporting for duty.

Seeking God’s Kingdom involves praying for others in ways that reflect God’s priorities. It means praying not merely for our loved ones’ material needs and protection but also for their spiritual growth and the reign of God’s justice and mercy in their lives.

Intercessory prayer is one of the most beautiful, meaningful, life-changing aspects of the Christian life. I pray for you, and you pray for me. As we pray, we both seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. That is the highest form of praying in the Spirit.