Embracing Spiritual Depth Through Prayer and Surrender

 

Summary

Tonight, we reflected on the life of a true spiritual giant, Brother David Shatwell, and considered what it means to be a genuinely spiritual person. There are many faithful, loyal, and gifted people in the church, but those who walk in the deeper realms of the Spirit—who live in the dimension of prophecy and the gifts—are rare. The question was asked: how does one become such a spiritual person? The answer begins with prayer—fervent, effectual, Spirit-led prayer. Prayer is not just a religious duty, but the bridge between the natural and the supernatural, the ordinary and the extraordinary. It is through prayer, especially praying in the Spirit, that we move beyond the limitations of our flesh and soul and allow the spirit man within us to commune with God.

We are all made up of body, soul, and spirit. The body is just a vehicle, the soul is our personality and desires, but the spirit is the part of us that truly hungers for God. The battle of the Christian life is bringing the body and soul into submission to the spirit, so that the deepest part of us can reach out to God. This often requires a breaking—a surrendering of our will, appetites, and desires—so that the life of God can flow out of us, just as a seed must break before it can grow. Repentance is this breaking, and it is the beginning of true spiritual life.

Magnificent weakness is a theme woven throughout Scripture. When we are weak, then we are strong, because our weakness makes room for God’s strength. Pride is the enemy of spiritual growth, and even God’s blessings can become a stumbling block if they make us self-sufficient. We must remain humble, aware of our need for God, and continually return to the place of prayer. Fervent, Spirit-led prayer keeps us in tune with our weakness and God’s strength.

Praying in tongues, or praying in the Spirit, is a vital part of this journey. It edifies us, builds us up, and allows God to pray through us according to His will—often beyond our own understanding. Through intercession, God can use us to accomplish things we may never fully comprehend. The call tonight is to press into deeper places of prayer, to allow God to break us, fill us, and use us for His purposes. This is how we become truly spiritual people—by walking in the Spirit, praying in the Spirit, and living in magnificent weakness before God.

Key Takeaways

- The Rarity and Cost of True Spirituality
While many are faithful and gifted, few walk in the deeper realms of the Spirit. Becoming a truly spiritual person requires more than talent or loyalty; it demands a life of prayer and surrender. The spiritual giants among us are those who have learned to live in another dimension, where the gifts and voice of God flow freely. This is not achieved by accident, but by intentional pursuit and sacrifice. [24:35]

- The Battle of Body, Soul, and Spirit
Every person is made up of body, soul, and spirit, and the Christian journey is about bringing the body and soul into submission to the spirit. The soul craves comfort and pleasure, but the spirit hungers for God. True spiritual growth happens when the spirit man rises up, overcoming the natural desires, and leads the whole person into deeper communion with God. This inner battle is ongoing and requires conscious effort and discipline. [33:51]

- The Power of Brokenness and Repentance
Spiritual life begins with brokenness. Just as a seed must break before it can grow, so must our outer man be broken for the life of God to emerge. Repentance is not just a change of direction, but a breaking of the will, appetites, and desires that keep us from God. In this place of surrender, we find new life, new desires, and a new appetite for the things of God. [40:48]

- Magnificent Weakness: The Paradox of Strength
God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we are strong in ourselves, we become spiritually weak, but when we acknowledge our need and remain humble, God’s power is released in us. Pride is a universal enemy, and even blessings can make us self-reliant. Maintaining a posture of magnificent weakness—humility, dependence, and submission—is essential for ongoing spiritual growth and usefulness to God. [51:13]

- Praying in the Spirit: The Pathway to the Supernatural
Praying in tongues is not just a Pentecostal experience, but a biblical means of edification and spiritual breakthrough. When we pray in the Spirit, we move beyond our own understanding and allow God to pray through us according to His will. This kind of prayer builds us up, aligns us with God’s purposes, and can accomplish things far beyond our natural ability or knowledge. It is essential for anyone who desires to walk in the deeper things of God. [01:03:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Remembering Brother Shatwell: A Spiritual Giant
[03:30] - The Rarity of Deep Spirituality
[06:10] - The Power of Prophetic Ministry
[10:00] - The Question: How Do You Become Spiritual?
[12:30] - The Foundation: Prayer and Its Methods
[16:00] - Body, Soul, and Spirit: Understanding Our Nature
[21:00] - The Battle Within: Submission and Surrender
[25:00] - The Necessity of Brokenness
[28:30] - Magnificent Weakness: Strength in Humility
[33:00] - The Dangers of Pride and Self-Sufficiency
[36:00] - The Supernatural Power of Praying in the Spirit
[41:00] - Intercession and Spiritual Authority
[46:00] - The Call to Deeper Prayer and Intercession
[50:00] - Closing Challenge: Walk in the Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Becoming a Truly Spiritual Person

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### Bible Reading

1. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
_But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong._

2. John 12:24-25
_Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life._

3. 1 Corinthians 14:4, 14-15
_Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church... For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding._

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, what does Paul say about the relationship between weakness and God’s strength?
2. In John 12:24-25, what does Jesus compare to a seed, and what must happen for it to produce fruit?
3. What does 1 Corinthians 14:4 say happens when someone prays in tongues?
4. The sermon described the process of “breaking” as necessary for spiritual growth. What are some ways the preacher described this breaking? [[40:48]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul say he “delights” in weaknesses, and how does this connect to the idea of “magnificent weakness” in the sermon? [[51:13]]
2. The preacher said that the body, soul, and spirit are in a kind of battle. What does it mean for the spirit to “rise up” and lead the body and soul? [[33:51]]
3. How does praying in the Spirit (praying in tongues) help a believer move beyond their own understanding and into God’s will, according to both the Bible and the sermon? [[01:03:03]]
4. The sermon mentioned that even God’s blessings can become a stumbling block if they lead to self-sufficiency. How might this happen in a believer’s life? [[52:09]]

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### Application Questions

1. The preacher said that true spiritual people are rare, and that it takes intentional pursuit and sacrifice to become one. What is one area of your life where you could be more intentional in pursuing God? What would that look like this week? [[24:35]]
2. The sermon talked about the need for “breaking”—letting go of our own will, appetites, and desires. Is there something in your life right now that God might be asking you to surrender or “break” so that His life can flow through you? [[40:48]]
3. “Magnificent weakness” means admitting our need for God and staying humble. Can you think of a time when your own strength or pride got in the way of God working in your life? How can you practice humility and dependence on God this week? [[51:13]]
4. The preacher emphasized the importance of fervent, Spirit-led prayer. What is your current prayer life like? Is there a specific way you could make your prayer time more passionate or Spirit-led? [[32:24]]
5. Praying in the Spirit was described as a way to build yourself up and let God pray through you. If you have experienced praying in tongues, how has it changed your relationship with God? If you haven’t, is this something you desire? What steps could you take to seek this gift? [[01:03:03]]
6. The battle between body, soul, and spirit is ongoing. What are some practical ways you can help your spirit “rise up” and lead your body and soul this week? (For example: fasting, setting aside time for prayer, limiting distractions, etc.) [[33:51]]
7. The sermon ended with a call to deeper places of prayer and intercession. Is there a burden or person God has placed on your heart to pray for? How can you respond to that call this week? [[01:25:01]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person walk in the Spirit, embrace magnificent weakness, and press into deeper places of prayer.

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Effectual, Fervent Prayer
Effectual, fervent prayer is not just a routine or a tired ritual, but a passionate, heartfelt pursuit that brings us into deeper communion with God and unlocks spiritual breakthroughs. When we pray with sincerity and intensity, we move beyond surface-level connection and begin to experience the presence and power of God in a transformative way. This kind of prayer is not about eloquence or length, but about the depth of our desire for God and our willingness to press through distractions and fatigue. As we cultivate fervency in prayer, we find ourselves stepping into a new realm of spiritual vitality and intimacy with the Lord. [32:24]

James 5:16 (ESV):
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection:
What is one area in your life where you need to move from routine, tired prayers to passionate, fervent prayer? How can you intentionally pursue God with greater sincerity and intensity today?


Day 2: Magnificent Weakness—Strength in Surrender
True spiritual strength is found not in self-reliance or pride, but in embracing our weakness and total dependence on God. When we allow ourselves to be broken before the Lord, surrendering our will, desires, and appetites, we make room for His power to be perfected in us. This magnificent weakness is the gateway to spiritual growth, humility, and being used mightily by God. Rather than resisting our limitations, we are called to submit them to God, trusting that His grace is sufficient and that He will work through our surrendered lives in ways we could never accomplish on our own. [49:51]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV):
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection:
Where are you relying on your own strength instead of surrendering to God? What would it look like for you to embrace your weakness and invite God’s power to work through you today?


Day 3: Praying in the Spirit—Building Yourself Up
Praying in the Spirit, especially through speaking in tongues, is a powerful way to edify and strengthen your inner man. This form of prayer allows the Holy Spirit to intercede through you, praying the will of God beyond your own understanding and limitations. As you yield to the Spirit, you are built up, refreshed, and empowered to walk in the supernatural. This is not just for a select few, but for every believer who desires to go deeper with God. Make it your aim to regularly pray in the Spirit, allowing God to speak through you and accomplish His purposes in and through your life. [01:03:03]

1 Corinthians 14:4 (ESV):
"The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church."

Reflection:
Have you set aside time to pray in the Spirit this week? If not, what is one step you can take today to open yourself to this deeper dimension of prayer and allow God to build you up?


Day 4: Breaking the Outer Man—The Pathway to Spiritual Life
Just as a seed must be broken for new life to emerge, so too must our outer man—our flesh and soul—be broken so that the spirit within us can flourish. This breaking often comes through repentance, surrender, and a willingness to let go of our own desires in favor of God’s will. When we allow God to break the hard shell of self, we discover new desires, new appetites, and a new life in the Spirit. The process may be uncomfortable, but it is essential for anyone who longs to be truly spiritual and to experience the fullness of God’s life within. [40:48]

John 12:24-25 (ESV):
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

Reflection:
Is there an area of your life where you sense God calling you to let go or surrender? What practical step can you take today to allow God to break through your outer man so that His Spirit can bring new life?


Day 5: Intimacy with God—Walking in the Spirit
Intimacy with God is not achieved through knowledge alone, but through a life of prayer, worship, and walking in the Spirit. As we cultivate closeness with God, we begin to discern His voice, receive His wisdom, and operate in spiritual authority. This intimacy is available to all who will seek Him with a humble heart, pressing past the distractions of the flesh and soul to connect with God in the secret place. The more we walk in the Spirit, the more we become attuned to God’s will and are empowered to intercede, prophesy, and minister in His name. [59:30]

Romans 8:26-27 (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. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."

Reflection:
What is one way you can intentionally pursue greater intimacy with God this week—whether through extended prayer, worship, or listening for His voice? How will you make space for the Spirit to lead you today?

Quotes



And it can't, it'll die if the outer doesn't break. But when the outer breaks, that inner life can come out. Now, that's what happens to us. When Jesus said, Jesus said, put it this way. He said, if you seek to save your life, you'll lose it. Get this now. But if you will lose your life, you will find it. Now, literally, that word life is soul in both of those instances. [00:42:18] (32 seconds) Edit Clip


This is spiritual ministry to spiritual people. It's the things of God. It's beyond human ability. We need God's help. We need God's revelation. We need God to come and start impressing and God to start showing. We're not doing things in the flesh. We don't want to do things in the flesh. We know that Jesus said, the flesh profiteth. That wasn't very good. The flesh profiteth. Weigh that out. How much is nothing? [00:53:44] (38 seconds) Edit Clip


He's not talking about tying your shoe. He's talking about anything of eternal value, spiritual things, the things of God, the will of God, the plan of God, the kingdom of God. You're totally incapable in that area without Him. Amen. And so we need God. You need God. I need God. I want God. Amen. And the key in this is intimacy with God. Closeness. And the number one way to get there, the most important, is prayer, is prayer. I know we need the Word. I know we need fasting. But I'm going to tell you right now, we need prayer, prayer, prayer, prayer, prayer. Amen. [00:54:45] (53 seconds) Edit Clip


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Transcript
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