Accessing God: The Power of Prayer in the Spirit

 

Summary

In Ephesians 2:18, Paul reveals the profound truth that through Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father by one Spirit. This verse encapsulates the essence of our salvation and the involvement of the Holy Trinity in our redemption. The ultimate purpose of salvation is to bring us into communion with God, allowing us to enjoy His presence. This access to the Father is the greatest privilege and blessing we can experience, yet it is often fraught with difficulties, particularly in prayer.

Prayer is the supreme activity of the human soul, and because of its significance, it is often the target of spiritual attacks. Many believers struggle with the sense of God's presence, concentration, and feelings of unworthiness during prayer. These challenges arise because prayer is the highest form of communion with God, and the enemy seeks to disrupt it. However, these difficulties should not discourage us; rather, they highlight the importance of being taught how to pray effectively.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that true prayer requires two essential elements: Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is as vital to prayer as Christ Himself. Without the Spirit, prayer becomes mechanical and lifeless. The Spirit quickens our spiritual minds, reveals our need for God, and leads us to a deeper understanding of His promises. He also glorifies Christ, reminding us of our dependence on His atoning work.

Prayer in the Spirit is not confined to specific places, postures, or forms. It is a spiritual matter, a living and vital communion with God. The Holy Spirit enables us to pray with freedom and joy, transforming prayer from a task into a delightful experience. By relying on the Spirit, we can truly access the Father and enjoy His presence.

Key Takeaways:

- The ultimate purpose of salvation is to bring us into communion with God, allowing us to enjoy His presence. This access to the Father is the greatest privilege and blessing we can experience. [03:06]

- Prayer is the supreme activity of the human soul, and because of its significance, it is often the target of spiritual attacks. The difficulties we face in prayer highlight the importance of being taught how to pray effectively. [07:29]

- True prayer requires two essential elements: Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is as vital to prayer as Christ Himself, and without the Spirit, prayer becomes mechanical and lifeless. [12:22]

- Prayer in the Spirit is not confined to specific places, postures, or forms. It is a spiritual matter, a living and vital communion with God. The Holy Spirit enables us to pray with freedom and joy. [23:23]

- By relying on the Spirit, we can truly access the Father and enjoy His presence. The Spirit quickens our spiritual minds, reveals our need for God, and leads us to a deeper understanding of His promises. [39:02]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to Ephesians 2:18
[00:36] - The Role of the Holy Trinity in Salvation
[01:19] - The Ultimate Purpose of Salvation
[02:25] - The Greatest Privilege: Access to the Father
[03:28] - The Challenges of Prayer
[04:44] - Realizing God's Presence
[06:03] - The Problem of Concentration
[07:49] - The Importance of Being Taught to Pray
[09:42] - Essentials of True Prayer
[11:34] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer
[13:13] - Praying in the Spirit
[15:10] - The Essence of Prayer
[17:05] - Prayer Beyond Forms and Ceremonies
[19:12] - The Balance Between Form and Freedom
[21:34] - The Vitality of Prayer
[23:04] - The Holy Spirit's Role in Prayer
[25:26] - The Spirit's Work in Our Prayer Life
[28:26] - The Spirit Reveals Our Need for God
[32:23] - The Spirit Reveals God's Glory
[34:37] - The Spirit Glorifies Christ
[38:18] - Understanding God's Promises
[40:37] - The Spirit of Adoption
[42:34] - Enjoying Prayer Through the Spirit

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:18
- John 4:24
- Romans 8:15

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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:18, who are the two groups that have access to the Father, and through whom is this access granted? [00:09]
2. What are some of the challenges mentioned in the sermon that believers face when trying to pray? [03:28]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer? [12:22]
4. What does Jesus say about worship in John 4:24, and how does this relate to the concept of prayer in the Spirit? [16:44]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might prayer be considered the "supreme activity of the human soul," and how does this relate to the spiritual attacks mentioned in the sermon? [07:29]
2. How does the sermon explain the necessity of both Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in true prayer? [12:22]
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit transform prayer from a task into a delightful experience, according to the sermon? [23:23]
4. How does the concept of "praying in the Spirit" challenge traditional views of prayer that focus on place, posture, or form? [17:05]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. Do you find prayer to be a difficult task or a delightful experience? What steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit to transform your prayer life? [25:05]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of being taught how to pray effectively. Have you ever sought guidance or resources to improve your prayer life? What might be a first step in doing so? [08:08]
3. Consider a time when you felt unworthy or distracted during prayer. How can the understanding of the Holy Spirit's role help you overcome these feelings? [06:53]
4. How can you create a more personal and vital communion with God in your daily life, beyond formal or set times of prayer? [21:34]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of realizing our dependence on Jesus Christ's atoning work during prayer. How can you remind yourself of this truth before you begin to pray? [35:20]
6. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance. What practical steps can you take this week to seek His help in that area? [39:02]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper hunger for God in your life, similar to the longing described in the sermon? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine to prioritize this desire? [31:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Communion with God as the Purpose of Salvation
The ultimate purpose of salvation is to bring us into communion with God, allowing us to enjoy His presence. This access to the Father is the greatest privilege and blessing we can experience. Through Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father by one Spirit, as revealed in Ephesians 2:18. This profound truth encapsulates the essence of our salvation and the involvement of the Holy Trinity in our redemption. The privilege of accessing the Father is unparalleled, yet it is often fraught with difficulties, particularly in prayer. Despite these challenges, believers are encouraged to embrace this privilege and seek a deeper relationship with God. [03:06]

Ephesians 3:12 (ESV): "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."

Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine to enjoy the presence of God and deepen your communion with Him today?


Day 2: The Significance and Challenges of Prayer
Prayer is the supreme activity of the human soul, and because of its significance, it is often the target of spiritual attacks. Many believers struggle with the sense of God's presence, concentration, and feelings of unworthiness during prayer. These challenges arise because prayer is the highest form of communion with God, and the enemy seeks to disrupt it. However, these difficulties should not discourage us; rather, they highlight the importance of being taught how to pray effectively. By understanding the significance of prayer, believers can overcome these challenges and experience a more profound connection with God. [07:29]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: Identify one specific challenge you face in your prayer life. What practical step can you take today to address this challenge and improve your prayer experience?


Day 3: The Essential Role of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in Prayer
True prayer requires two essential elements: Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is as vital to prayer as Christ Himself, and without the Spirit, prayer becomes mechanical and lifeless. The Spirit quickens our spiritual minds, reveals our need for God, and leads us to a deeper understanding of His promises. He also glorifies Christ, reminding us of our dependence on His atoning work. By relying on both Jesus and the Holy Spirit, believers can experience a vibrant and meaningful prayer life that transcends mere ritual. [12:22]

Romans 8:26 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and enliven your prayer life today, making it more than just a routine?


Day 4: The Freedom and Joy of Praying in the Spirit
Prayer in the Spirit is not confined to specific places, postures, or forms. It is a spiritual matter, a living and vital communion with God. The Holy Spirit enables us to pray with freedom and joy, transforming prayer from a task into a delightful experience. By relying on the Spirit, we can truly access the Father and enjoy His presence. This freedom in prayer allows believers to connect with God in a personal and meaningful way, unhindered by external constraints. [23:23]

2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more freedom and joy into your prayer life today, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you beyond traditional forms and routines?


Day 5: The Spirit's Role in Deepening Our Understanding of God's Promises
By relying on the Spirit, we can truly access the Father and enjoy His presence. The Spirit quickens our spiritual minds, reveals our need for God, and leads us to a deeper understanding of His promises. He also glorifies Christ, reminding us of our dependence on His atoning work. Through the Spirit, believers can gain insight into the depth and richness of God's promises, enhancing their faith and relationship with Him. [39:02]

1 Corinthians 2:12 (ESV): "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God."

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you feel the Holy Spirit is inviting you to explore more deeply today? How can this understanding impact your faith journey?

Quotes

For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the father not only are you no longer strangers and foreigners and aliens and so on you are right in the presence of God how do you get there well he tells us you remember that there are two essentials and three weeks ago we emphasized the fact that there are only two there are only two things about which we must be absolutely clear and certain one is the Lord Jesus Christ himself and the other is the Holy Spirit. [00:09:52]

The Apostle is teaching is that the Holy Spirit is as essential to prayer as is the Lord Jesus Christ himself not one without the other but both together now again we must ask ourselves certain questions do we realize this are we surprised at this have we now prayer lives up till this very moment realize the place the vital place and importance of the Holy Spirit have we realized that without him we really can't pray at all and the true prayer is always prayer by the Holy Spirit through the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:12:22]

What differentiates Christian worship and prayer from every other type and kind of prayer is that it is in the spirit there are many other people who pray but they don't pray in the spirit this is the peculiar thing the differentiating thing about Christian prayer and then the Apostle Jude says exactly the same thing in the his letter in the Epistle of Jude verse 20 you read these words but ye beloved building up yourselves on your most holy faith praying in the Holy Ghost keep yourselves in the love of God. [00:14:24]

God is spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth what is prayer what are the true characteristics of Prayer what is this praying in the spirit well let's take our Lord's negatives first it is obviously not a matter of place not a matter of ceremony as such you see at once puts his finger on that complete fallacy in the mind of the woman of Samaria this mountain if you want to worship they said you must worship here the Jews on the other hand tended to say that you must be in Jerusalem and you must be in the temple that God was confined to the temple as they thought he was confined to the mountain places. [00:16:39]

True prayer in the spirit is of course the very antithesis of it it isn't confined says our Lord to any particular place or to any particular kind of ceremony then we could add to this many others there are some people to whom the very essence of Prayer seems to be a question of posture how concerned they are about being able to kneel indeed I've known some such people who have seriously suggested that you can't possibly be praying unless you're on your knees now that's an interesting subject indeed all these points are we can't go into them I'm simply trying to emphasize the great central principle but there is no one posture that is essential to prayer. [00:17:41]

The great principle is I say not to put your emphasis upon foam or beauty or perfection of diction or anything like that but upon the fact that it is in the spirit so let us bear that in mind in other words prayer according to this teaching is never something merely formal it is always something vital again I'm not saying that you shouldn't have said times of Prayer but the moment you start doing that you've got to be careful there will be the danger that you're praying because it's 12 seven o'clock or whatever it is rather than because you're looking forward and longing to be in communion with God. [00:21:34]

Prayer is a spiritual matter God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth and therefore the Holy Ghost is absolutely essential and without him we can't truly pray prayer you see means a living under vital and a real communion with God who is spirit God is spirit and prayer really means my spirit in communion with God it's personal it is this fellowship this immediate fellowship and nothing less than that and what the Apostle is here reminding these Ephesians of is this that in this the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. [00:23:04]

The Holy Spirit is making you see your sin he is convincing you and convicting you of your need he is creating within you up godly sorrow true repentance that's most conducive to prayer he's preparing and that of course leads to the next thing which is he shows us our need of God and of God's mercy and of God's blessing but once you see are taken out of the realm of generalities and you realize that you're an isolated so you're not interested in things now merely in events or happenings you've been brought by the Holy Spirit to realize that God is giving you this special gift the soul the spirit if you like that you came into the world on your own and that though you're one of millions of people in this world you are still a separate distinct isolated being. [00:28:26]

The Holy Spirit produces all that and then he goes on to reveal God in his glory to us and this is something again that is so absolutely vital and essential I take it that ultimately all difficulties in prayer spring from this one our failure to realize the truth about God oh what a difference it would make you see we are all like Moses and we and like Joshua after him we want to rush into the presence of God you remember Moses at the burning bush he didn't quite understand he was going to investigate he was rushing in a voice came and said stand back take off thy shoes from off thy feet for the ground whereon thou standest is holy ground and that's the ground that you and I are always on when we engage in prayer. [00:32:23]

The Holy Spirit will reveal to you but it was while we were without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly that while it was while we were yet enemies we were saved by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ it is then he will remind us that Christ said I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance it is then you will see the procession the Mary Magdalene's and all the others in their rags and in their filth cunning led by him to God the Holy Spirit will show it all to you and you will realize that in spite of your are not a liberal I'm honest you nevertheless have a nexus into the presence of God. [00:36:23]

The Holy Spirit likewise that leads us to an understanding of all the promises of God we know what it is to be hemmed in by trials and tribulations and problems and to be aware of our own weakness and ineffectiveness and we attempted a cry out saying what shall I do what can I do but there the Holy Spirit begins to reveal to you the exceeding great and precious promises and it transforms everything it is he reveals God to us I say as our Father as the father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our Father you remember in the first chapter Paul put it like that blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the hymnal. [00:39:02]

The Apostle says in writing to the Romans we have not received a spirit of bondage again to fear but we have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba Father we know about the bondage don't we we know about all the difficulties that are enumerated at the beginning and that is sure bondage you're trying to think of something to say you're trying to work up a feeling though what a bondage it is there's no freedom there I won like a child speaking to his father holding out his hands for the father to embrace him mumbling his little nothing's because he's glad to see his parent that's how we should be pray with a glorious freedom not a spirit of bondage again to fear but a spirit of adoption whereby we cry with this elemental childlike filial cry Abba Father. [00:40:37]

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Transcript
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