April 1, 2025
Praying in Spirit and in Truth
How can we speak to a Spirit if we do not think and understand like one? God is Spirit and Truth, and those who worship or pray to Him must do so in spirit and in truth. Many people pray out of routine or obligation, but true prayer requires a heart fully and truthfully surrendered to the Holy Spirit. Jesus emphasized this when speaking to the Samaritan woman: prayer is not about location—a mountain or a temple—but about the heart and our connection with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit makes this kind of worship and prayer possible. He removes distractions, aligns our desires with God's and grants us boldness to approach the throne of grace with confidence. Without Him, our prayers may lack depth, but with Him, they become powerful and transformative. Being truthful and honest with ourselves and God is essential in relating to the Holy Spirit. If we rely on our own abilities or assume we have all the answers, the Holy Spirit will withdraw or remain dormant. However, when we humbly acknowledge our limitations and need of Him, He steps in and helps us in our weaknesses.
One cannot deceive the Holy Spirit and expect a favorable response. Ananias and Sapphira serve as sobering examples of deceitful worshippers who were judged without an opportunity for repentance (Acts 5:1-11). This is why Jesus warned against grieving the Holy Spirit. God seeks those who approach Him with sincerity and integrity. While the Holy Spirit may not strike people down as He did in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, the eternal judgment of God remains on those who lie to Him or misuse His name.
We must also be careful about what we claim the Holy Spirit has said. Paul declared, "I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 9:1). How many of today’s prophets can boldly make such a statement? Many have lost the fear of God and casually attribute false words to the Holy Spirit. Some do so in ignorance, while others intentionally deceive, manipulating people for personal gain. Just as in the days of King Ahab, lying spirits influence those who reject God's truth (1 Kings 22:5-28). Our generation is plagued with a rejection of truth, making many vulnerable to deception.
Lying has become a lifestyle for some believers and leaders. They prophesy in God’s name but are not truthful, aligning themselves with the spirit of the antichrist. Many are drawn to these false prophets, preferring deception over truth. However, their end will not be pleasant. The Gospel of Truth cannot be promoted through lies. God's standard has not changed—He seeks worshipers who will honor Him in spirit and in truth.
Scripture Readings: 1 Kings 22:5-28; Acts 5:1-14; 1 Timothy 4:1-9.
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