JEFF TURNER
John Knox was a famous Scottish reformer in the 16th century. He was deeply concerned for the spiritual state of his country. Knox prayed with great intensity, crying out, “Give me Scotland, or I die!” It is said this passionate prayer was driven by the Holy Spirit working through him.
Romans 8:26 tells us, “Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with [a]groanings too deep for words” NASB. This speaks of the Holy Spirit’s role in helping us pray, even when we may not know what to pray for.
When the Spirit takes over our prayers, something extraordinary happens. Our prayers are no longer limited to our own perspective or goals. Instead, they align with the will and purposes of God. In these moments, we become co-laborers with the divine, our finite lives elevated to participate in God’s boundless creativity and redemptive work.
Knox’s Spirit-led prayers were not in vain. His travail was rewarded with a profound spiritual awakening that transformed the nation of Scotland. Knox’s life showed that when we yield ourselves fully to the leading of the Holy Spirit in prayer, our impact can extend far beyond what we could ever accomplish alone.
Such Spirit-led prayers know no boundaries. They can leap across oceans, speed through deserts, and penetrate the darkest corners of the world with the healing power of the gospel. This is the essence of “praying in the Spirit” – allowing the divine Intercessor to work through us, empowering our words with supernatural potency.
When we surrender our own agendas and let the Holy Spirit guide our petitions, we become conduits of God’s will.
Jesus Himself prayed, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
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