Prayer and Warfare 273
words. Only in this way is the prayer of a believer perfected. How
often the Christian prays according to the thought in his mind
without possessing any revelation in his spirit. He becomes the origin
of the prayer himself. But true prayer must originate from the throne
of God. It initially is sensed in the person’s spirit, next is understood
by his mind, and finally is uttered through the power of the Spirit.
Man’s spirit and prayer are inseparable.
To be able to pray with the spirit a Christian must learn first to
walk according to the spirit. No one can pray with his spirit if during
the whole day he walks after the flesh. The state of one’s prayer life
cannot be too greatly disconnected from the condition of his daily
walk. The spiritual condition of many too often disqualifies them
from praying in the spirit. The quality of a man’s prayer is
determined by the state of his living. How could a fleshly person
offer spiritual prayer? A spiritual person, on the other hand, does not
necessarily pray spiritually either, for unless he is watchful he also
shall fall into the flesh. Nonetheless, should the spiritual man pray
often with his spirit, his very praying shall keep his spirit and mind
continually in tune with God. Praying exercises the spirit which in
turn is strengthened through such exercising. Negligence in prayer
withers the inner man. Nothing can be a substitute for it, not even
Christian work. Many are so preoccupied with work that they allow
little time for prayer. Hence they cannot cast out demons. Prayer
enables us first inwardly to overcome the enemy and then outwardly
to deal with him. All who have fought against the enemy on their
knees shall see him routed upon their rising up.
Now the spiritual man grows stronger through such exercises. For
if a believer prays often with his spirit, his spiritual efficiency shall
be increased greatly. He will develop sharp sensitivity in spiritual
affairs and will be delivered from all spiritual dullness.
The current need of the spiritual Christian is to learn by God’s
revelation in his spirit how to detect the enemy’s attack and