Holy Spirit and prayer

The Holy Spirit enables God’s children to address him as “Abba”

Romans 8:15 KJV 1900

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

See also Ga 4:6

The role of the Holy Spirit in prayer

He prompts supplication

Zec 12:10 “a spirit” (NIV text) or “the Spirit” (NIV footnote).

He inspires prayers of praise

Luke 10:21 KJV 1900

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

See also Eph 5:18–20

He inspires praying in tongues

Acts 2:4 KJV 1900

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

See also Ac 10:44–46; Ac 19:6; 1 Co 14:14–18

He intercedes for believers

Romans 8:26–27 KJV 1900

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. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work prompts praise and thanks

1 Thessalonians 1:2–5 KJV 1900

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

See also Ac 11:15–18

Believers are exhorted to pray in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18–20 KJV 1900

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

See also Jud 20

The love of the Holy Spirit is a motive for prayer

Romans 15:30–32 KJV 1900

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

See also Lk 11:13; Ac 8:14–17