Pray and Sing in the Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 5:15-21; Jude 17-21
Dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love. . . .
How do we remain loving people in the midst of conflict, negativity, broken relationships, and attacks by the devil? Jude explains that we can do this by building ourselves up in faith and praying in the Holy Spirit. We know we are praying in the Spirit when the comfort, peace, and strength of God fill us. We know we are praying in the Spirit when we drop our selfish agenda in favor of serving God, showing his love and care for others.
In Ephesians 6:18 the apostle Paul urges us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests . . . for all the Lord’s people.” So pray in the morning for direction for the day, that each word and deed may be done for God’s glory. Pray at noon for God’s energy to continue filling you throughout the day. Pray in the evening, giving thanks for the day and asking the Spirit for good rest and strength for the days ahead.
According to Ephesians 5, being filled with the Spirit prompts us to build one another up with spiritual songs. And we keep in mind all of God’s blessings for us, for which we always give thanks. As God’s people, the body of Christ, we also submit to one another for Jesus’ sake.
So don’t stop praying and singing. The Spirit works mightily through these actions. The Spirit even gives us a song and a prayer when we are down in the dumps.
Spirit of God, fill us with your presence and with songs and prayers for all occasions, that we may honor, praise, and give thanks to you. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Dean Deppe
Dean Deppe has been a pastor in inner-city, suburban, and rural churches. Currently he teaches New Testament theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. His courses include one on the parables of Jesus. He and his wife have four grown children.
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