SPIRIT-LED PRAYER
by Muriel Larson
"You know him (the Spirit of truth), for he lives with you and will be in
you" (John 14:17).
One Sunday afternoon a burden came on my heart to kneel and pray. I had
learned the evening before that another upheaval had taken place in a church
where I had once served. Among those who left this time was Wayne, the youth
director, who had done a great work among the young people.
Kneeling, I began to pray with tears in my eyes, pleading for him and all
the wounded others who had left that church.
Then I sensed that the Holy Spirit was giving me a message for Wayne: "Tell
him, 'You are to start a church for the healing of God's people.''"
I went to the phone, called Wayne, and gave him the message.
"Praise the Lord!" he exclaimed. "I have just been pleading for the Lord to
show me what to do. I've felt very depressed today. I know this message is
from God, Muriel, and I'm going to obey it!"
Shortly after that Wayne held an organizational meeting at his home. At his
request I attended with my accordion; 24 others came. We all sensed the
presence of the Spirit. A number who had felt disheartened, hurt, and
perhaps embittered rededicated their lives to the Lord that night.
Two weeks later the church held its first service in a large rented store.
Not only has that church led to the emotional and spiritual healing of many
Christians, but hundreds of others have come to Jesus Christ through its
ministry. Needless to say, the church is booming!
This was my most amazing experience of how the Holy Spirit can not only lead
us to pray in intercession for a fellow Christian or a situation, but also
can lead us to act. In many cases, however, we may never learn the results
of our Spirit-led intercession in prayer.
*PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT
Knowing Christ as our Lord opens the vital line of communication needed.
Before telling the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit, Paul gave them
these instructions: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger. Be kind and
compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God
forgave you" (4:31-32). Doing this prepares us to pray in the Spirit. Then
He can lead us in what to pray and what to do.
*KNOWLEDGE HELPS PRAYER
Usually the Holy Spirit impresses us to pray specifically for someone we
know. I knew that minister, his problems and needs, his dedication to
Christ, and the talent that could be used for God. I knew what an earnest
man of God he was and how much he truly cared for God's work and will.
*LISTENING
By listening to people and to church announcements about those who are ill
or grieving, I've found I can pray compassionately and specifically. And of
course we have to listen to God too. When we pray, let's keep the line open
to Him. Hebrews 3:7-8 tells us to listen to Him, to be careful to hear His
voice today!
"Lord, help me to be attentive to Your leading."
About the Author
This devotional was written by Muriel Larson. Read more about Muriel:
http://tmdevotionals.com/women/authors/muriel-larson/
Consider these questions: 1. How can we be sure the Holy Spirit is leading
us? 2. Can any Christian have the leading of the Holy Spirit?
Comment: Post your comments on TruthMedia's women's devotional blog. Visit
http://tmdevotionals.com/women/ and just click on the word "Comment" (no
need to register).
Related reading: Do you long for the Holy Spirit to fall fresh on you?
http://www.christianwomentoday.com/growth/empowered.html
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