Introduction
Some time ago, I wrote a short piece about the importance of praying in the Spirit, noting that there are ways to pray “in the Spirit” beyond the spiritual gift of tongues. When over 60,000 people read that brief article, I sensed it was important to expand my thoughts.
In the first blog post, I explained that for Paul, “praying in the Spirit” was a qualitative way of praying that was to be done “at all times” (Eph. 6:18). In other words, according to Scripture, praying in the Spirit is not optional—it is the norm. It’s the only powerful way to pray.
Paul told the Corinthians he was thankful for the gift of tongues (1 Cor. 14:18), but he also made it clear that not everyone has every spiritual gift. He asks rhetorically, “Do all speak with tongues?”—and the implied answer is “No.”
If our prayer lives are going to be powerful, we must pray “in the Spirit.” Since not all have all the gifts, there must be ways (in addition to tongues) to pray in the Spirit.
Today, I want to offer a beautiful image of praying in the Spirit: praying with Jesus, your constant Intercessor. When you see and connect with Christ as your prayer partner, your prayer life is infused with joy and spiritual power.
As Paul rises to the crescendo of gospel assurance in Romans 8, he offers this extraordinary comfort:
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.”
The Holy Spirit—the very Spirit of Jesus Christ—prays in you, through you, with you, and for you!
Jesus lives in ongoing advocacy for you, child of God. Having purchased your redemption and secured your justification, He now forever lives to intercede for you. His advocacy is grounded in His own righteousness, His triumph over death and the devil, and the power of His resurrection.
Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
Romans 8:34 (ESV): “...at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
When you pray today, be assured: Jesus is praying too!
When you’re praying for a great need in your life, Jesus is praying for you as well. Theologian Louis Berkhof wrote, “It is a consoling thought that Christ is praying for us, even when we are negligent in our prayer life.” Dane Ortlund put it simply: “Our prayer life stinks most of the time. But what if you heard Jesus praying aloud for you in the next room?” (Gentle and Lowly, p. 86)
Your Advocate
1 John 2:1 (ESV): “My little children... we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
The word advocate (Greek: paraklētos) refers to someone who comes alongside to help—to plead a case like a lawyer or personal representative.
Lawyers get a bad rap, but good ones love fairness and helping people. My oldest brother David is a good lawyer. Years ago, a single social worker named Mary came to him for help after buying a house with an undisclosed flooding issue. She couldn’t afford the $1,000 the city demanded to address it.
David wrote the seller requesting $300. The seller offered $50. So David filed suit. At trial, he proved the house was overvalued due to the hidden problem. Mary was awarded $12,000.
But it didn’t stop there. When the seller appealed, David filed a claim under deceptive trade law. The award was tripled to $36,000, plus $45,000 in attorney’s fees. Mary, who asked for $300, received $81,000.
That’s what an advocate can do.
Jesus is your Advocate in the Spirit—continually interceding for you and securing every spiritual blessing. You are a justified, beloved child of God and co-heir with Christ.
Imagine tomorrow morning, coffee in hand, and Jesus sitting with you—praying for you, praying with you. What if Jesus were your prayer partner? What if Jesus were pleading your case? Wouldn’t your faith soar?
It’s good to pray alone, but there’s greater power in praying with a partner: Matthew 18:19–20 (ESV): “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
If an earthly partner brings strength, how much more powerful is prayer in agreement with Jesus?
Have you ever prayed with someone who had more faith than you? I once was so sick I could barely say “Amen,” but my wife Anne prayed for me, and I just groaned in agreement. Her faith carried me.
Jesus isn’t anxious about your situation. He has perfect faith and boundless love. His confidence never wavers. You can trust Him completely. When you connect in faith with the risen Christ—through the presence of His Spirit—you’re not just praying to Jesus; you’re praying with Him. You’re joining His intercession.
When Jesus is your prayer partner, you are praying in the Spirit.
Let Jesus be your prayer partner.
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