Awakened to Pray
I set my alarm for 2:00 a.m. because I wanted to get up early, work on some projects, and spend time with the Lord. I went to bed at 8:00 p.m., fully prepared for that early morning, but at 10:30 p.m., the Holy Spirit woke me up. And when He woke me, I was up. Wide awake.
I didn’t want to be awake at that time, but I knew it was Him—so I made my way to my prayer room.
As I began to pray and seek God, sleepiness washed over me. I grabbed a pillow, laid my head down, and was just about to fall asleep. I said to the Lord, “I know You woke me up, but my flesh is tired. I want to hear You, but I can’t keep myself awake. I need Your help.”
And instantly, the Holy Spirit nudged me: Pray in your spiritual language.
So I started praying in tongues. As I did, I remembered what the Word says—praying in the Spirit is communicating directly with God. It brings edification, clarity, and strength. And that’s exactly what happened. The sleepiness lifted. Strength came. Focus came. Before I knew it, the Lord was leading me to do the work I had planned for later in the day.
“For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God… he utters mysteries in the Spirit.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:2
“He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself…”
— 1 Corinthians 14:4 (AMPC)
This gift has become such a treasure to me. Whenever I’m unsure of what to do, write, or even feel, I start praying in my spiritual language. I may not know what I’m saying, but I know Who I’m speaking to—and He always answers. Paul said he prayed in the Spirit often, and I understand why. It strengthens you from the inside out.
This gift wasn’t meant to be a public show unless there’s interpretation. It’s meant to build us up, guide us, strengthen us, and help us when we don’t even know what to pray.
And if you haven’t experienced this gift yet, I invite you to ask the Father. This is something He wants you to have. It’s in alignment with His will, and He delights in giving good gifts to His children.
There are moments when I have no idea how to pray, or when my emotions feel tangled and unclear. In those moments, I pray in the Spirit— and God steps in. He fills me with what I need to walk through my day with power, clarity, and strength.
Reflection
Is God waking you up—literally or spiritually—to spend time with Him?
When you feel weak or unsure, do you reach for the gift He’s already given you?
Have you asked the Father for the gift of praying in the Spirit?
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit as our Helper, Strengthener, and Guide. Stir our hearts to pray in the Spirit, to seek You, and to receive the gifts You generously offer. Strengthen us when we are weak, and lead us into deeper fellowship with You. Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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