The Spirit of Prayer and Supplication:
Unlocking Breakthroughs in the Life of a Believer By Apostle Dr. Michael Mband Prayer is often described as the lifeline of a believer, the very breath of our spiritual existence. Yet, many Christians find themselves frustrated—praying, fasting, and seeking God, but seeing little change in their lives.
Why is this so? In my recent message, “The Spirits at Work in our Lives Today,” I explored the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in empowering our prayers and ensuring that our petitions align with the will of God.
The Holy Spirit: Our Helper in Prayer The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” This scripture reveals a profound truth: we do not naturally know what or how to pray.
Our human understanding is limited, and our desires are often shaped by the flesh. It is only the Holy Spirit who can help us pray according to God’s perfect will. When our prayers are Holy Spirit-inspired, they become powerful and effective, leading to real breakthroughs.
Acceptable Prayers: Spirit-Generated, Not Flesh-Driven Many believers pray fervently, yet their lives remain unchanged.
The reason is simple: God answers prayers that are generated by the Holy Spirit, not those born of the flesh or our own understanding. “If we pray according to His will, He hears us…” (1 John 5:14) Just as only the spirit of a man knows his own heart, only the Spirit of God knows the heart of God.
Therefore, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to generate our prayer items and guide our supplications.
Lessons from Jacob and Jabez:
Breakthroughs Through Prayer The Bible gives us powerful examples of individuals who experienced dramatic change through prayer: Jacob (Genesis 32:24-28): Jacob wrestled with God all night in prayer, refusing to let go until he received a blessing. His persistence led to a transformation—not only in his circumstances but in his very identity. He became Israel, a prince with God. Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10): Jabez, born in sorrow, called upon the God of Israel for blessing, enlargement, and protection. God granted his request, demonstrating the power of Spirit-led prayer to change destinies.
Prayer Is a Spiritual Task:
Flesh vs. Spirit Prayer is not a mere religious exercise; it is a spiritual task that can only be effectively carried out by the Spirit. Jesus said, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
Determination alone is not enough. Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, even the most disciplined believer will struggle to maintain a vibrant prayer life. Many have experienced seasons of dryness, where prayer feels impossible—this is often a sign that we are trying to pray in our own strength rather than by the Spirit.
Overcoming Hindrances in Prayer There are demonic forces that resist our prayer lives, seeking to keep us weak and ineffective. Jesus taught that only a stronger power—the Holy Spirit—can overcome these forces (Luke 11:21-22).
If you find yourself struggling to pray, it is not a matter of willpower but a call to invite the Holy Spirit to take charge.
Practical Steps: Cultivating a Spirit-Led Prayer Life How, then, can we cultivate a life of powerful, Spirit-led prayer? Here is the pattern I follow:
- Begin with Thanksgiving: Reflect on God’s goodness in your life. Thank Him for every blessing, big and small. Sometimes, just giving thanks can take hours!
- Move into Worship: Deep, heartfelt worship brings the presence of the Holy Spirit. Spend time singing, weeping, and adoring God.
- Pray in the Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to lead your prayers, speaking in tongues and letting Him give you the words and the prayer items.
- Present Your Requests: Only after thanksgiving and worship do I bring my specific requests, always attaching them to scripture.
- Close with Praise: End your prayer time by praising God for who He is and for the answers He will bring.
Conclusion:
It Is Not by Might, Nor by Power As Romans 9:16 reminds us, “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” If you desire a breakthrough in your prayer life, surrender to the Holy Spirit. Invite Him to take over, and you will find yourself praying with power, persistence, and purpose. Remember, prayer is not about the number of hours, but about following the divine protocol and seeking an encounter with God.
May the Spirit of prayer and supplication rest upon you, empowering you for a victorious and fruitful life in Christ. Blessings, Apostle Dr. Michael Mband
