Praying in the Spirit & Tongues (1 Cor 14 / Eph 6:18 / Jude 20)

Original Prayer

I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.

Context (Old Covenant)

Combination from 1 Cor 14 / Eph 6:18 / Jude 20, New Covenant practice: prayer in the Spirit, including tongues, as building up of the inner being.

What it teaches

OT prayer often has liturgical forms. The Spirit is given temporarily, not as permanent indwelling.

Realization in the New Covenant

Praying in tongues is a concrete New Covenant tool for personal edification (1 Cor 14:4), not a status symbol and not a sign of spiritual superiority.

›Building tool: "Whoever speaks in a tongue builds up himself", the Spirit BUILDS your temple (your body) from the inside
›Daily practice: Not only for church. Paul prays in the Spirit AND with the mind (1 Cor 14:15). Both have their place
›Just begin: "I sit down with no plan... You give the words, I give my yes." No audience needed, no proof, you speak in the Spirit to God
›Mysteries: "Whoever speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for in the Spirit he speaks mysteries" (1 Cor 14:2)
›Edification, not show: Jude 20 encourages: "Build yourselves up in the Holy Spirit." In the assembly, orderly (1 Cor 14:40); in private, without limits

Prayer in the New Covenant

Holy Spirit, lead my prayer. Strengthen me when words fail me. I choose to pray in the Spirit and to let myself be built up. I receive love and clarity for what I should do. Amen.