Praying in the Holy Spirit: Insights from Martyn Lloyd-Jones

How to Pray in the Holy Spirit: Insights from Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Prayer is a critical aspect of every Christian's life. It is our way of communicating with God, expressing our gratitude, concerns, and requests to Him. However, many Christians struggle with prayer, finding it challenging to connect with God and articulate their thoughts and feelings. In such situations, we need guidance on how to pray effectively. In this article, we draw insights from the teachings of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a renowned preacher, and evangelist, on how to pray in the Holy Spirit.

Who is Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

Martyn Lloyd-Jones is one of the most influential preachers of the twentieth century. He was born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1899 and trained as a medical doctor. However, he felt called to ministry and became a pastor in 1927. He served as the pastor of Westminster Chapel in London for nearly thirty years, attracting large crowds who came to hear his powerful sermons. His preaching style was characterized by a deep reverence for God's word, a passion for Christ's gospel, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit's power. Martyn Lloyd-Jones died in 1981, leaving a lasting legacy of faithful preaching and prayer.

What is Praying in the Holy Spirit?

Praying in the Holy Spirit is a biblical concept that refers to praying under the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It involves acknowledging our dependence on the Holy Spirit to help us pray as we ought and to intercede for us when we do not know how to pray. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, says, "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" (Romans 8:26 ESV).

Praying in the Holy Spirit is not just a matter of using the right words or formulas. It is a heart attitude that recognizes our need for God's help and submits to His leading. When we pray in the Holy Spirit, we are not just talking to God; we are communing with Him, allowing His Spirit to transform our hearts, minds, and wills.

How to Pray in the Holy Spirit

Martyn Lloyd-Jones believed that prayer in the Holy Spirit was essential for effective Christian living and ministry. He emphasized the importance of developing a deep, personal relationship with God, seeking His face, and submitting to His will. Here are some insights from his teachings on how to pray in the Holy Spirit:

1. Recognize your need for the Holy Spirit

The first step to praying in the Holy Spirit is acknowledging our dependence on the Holy Spirit. We cannot pray effectively on our own, relying on our own strength and wisdom. We need the Holy Spirit to help us pray according to God's will. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, says, "No one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:3 ESV). It means that we need the Holy Spirit's presence and power to confess Jesus as Lord and pray accordingly.

Therefore, we must come face to face with our tendency to try to pray on our own. We must humble ourselves before God, confess our inadequacy, and ask for His Spirit's help. We must also be willing to yield to the Holy Spirit's leading, even if it means praying in ways that are uncomfortable or unfamiliar to us.

2. Pray in faith

Prayer is an expression of faith, a belief that God is present, attentive, and responsive to our requests. Martyn Lloyd-Jones emphasized the importance of praying in faith, trusting that God hears and answers our prayers. He cited Jesus' words in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (ESV).

Praying in faith does not mean that we will always get what we want or that God will answer our prayers in the way we expect. It means that we trust God's wisdom, love, and sovereignty, knowing that He will do what is best for us and His Kingdom. We must pray with confidence, knowing that our prayers are not in vain, but are part of God's plan and purpose.

3. Pray with perseverance

Prayer is not a one-time event but a continuous process. We must persevere in prayer, even when our requests seem unanswered or when we face obstacles or opposition. Martyn Lloyd-Jones encouraged Christians to pray with persistence, citing Jesus' parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. In this parable, Jesus tells of a widow who persistently petitioned a judge to grant her justice against her adversary. Though the judge was initially unwilling to help her, he eventually relented, fearing that the widow would wear him out with her constant pleading.

Jesus' point in the parable is that we should persevere in prayer, trusting that God will hear and answer our requests in His time and His way. We should not give up or lose heart but continue to pray with faith and hope, knowing that our prayers are not in vain.

4. Pray with the Word of God

Praying in the Holy Spirit involves aligning our prayers with God's will and purpose. One way to do this is by praying with the Word of God. The Bible is full of prayers, promises, and exhortations that we can use to guide our prayers. Martyn Lloyd-Jones emphasized the importance of praying with Scripture, citing Jesus' words in John 15:7, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (ESV).

When we pray with the Word of God, we are not just reciting words or phrases; we are internalizing God's truth and allowing it to shape our prayers. We are also declaring God's promises and claiming His authority over our lives and circumstances. Praying with the Word of God helps us to pray in the Holy Spirit, aligning our prayers with God's will and purpose.

5. Pray with thanksgiving

Prayer is not just about asking God for things; it is also about expressing our gratitude and praise to Him. Martyn Lloyd-Jones emphasized the importance of praying with thanksgiving, citing Paul's words in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (ESV).

Praying with thanksgiving helps us to focus on God's goodness, faithfulness, and grace, even in the midst of trials and challenges. It also helps us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment, rather than a spirit of entitlement or complaint. When we pray with thanksgiving, we are acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision, and we are inviting His presence and power into our lives.

Conclusion

Prayer is a vital part of our Christian life, and praying in the Holy Spirit is essential for effective prayer. We must recognize our need for the Holy Spirit, pray in faith, persevere in prayer, pray with the Word of God, and pray with thanksgiving. Martyn Lloyd-Jones's teachings on prayer in the Holy Spirit provide valuable insights and guidance for Christians seeking to deepen their relationship with God and improve their prayer life. Let us pray in the Holy Spirit, knowing that God hears and answers our prayers according to His will and purpose.
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