Similarly, praying in our heavenly language enables us to intimately communicate with God. Someone might say, “But John, I don’t understand what I’m praying. Doesn’t the Bible even say, ‘For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful’ (1 Corinthians 14:14)?” Yes, that is true. But this is why the previous verse says, “Let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret” (verse 13). When I pray or commune with God in tongues, I ask Him to give me the interpretation of my prayers. Do you know what happens? Ideas, wisdom, and revelation come bubbling up out of my spirit. The best way I know how to describe it is that these insights bubble up like trapped air being released from the depths of the sea. They are released from deep within my inner man and surface in my mind or understanding.

Let me give an example. When I come across a scripture and think, I don’t understand that, I will say, “Holy Spirit, teach me.” Then I start praying in tongues. The revelation may not come right away; it usually comes later when I’m doing something like driving, taking a shower, just relaxing, or playing golf. All of sudden, it hits me! These revelations are the result of intimacy with the Spirit—I asked for His insight. God reveals His mysteries to the humble; as we humble ourselves (ask for the Spirit’s guidance), we will experience deeper intimacy with Him and receive greater spiritual revelation.

The same is true of spiritual power. Paul wrote the following words spoken to him directly from God’s Spirit:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power [grace] is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)

God’s grace, which is His power, is also bestowed on those who are humble (which Paul refers to when he acknowledges his “weakness”). A greater measure of God’s empowerment will rest upon you as you humble yourself by yielding to the infinite wisdom of His Spirit. This too is ultimately a byproduct of intimacy with the Spirit.

Our western society is results oriented. Oftentimes, if we don’t see quick results for our efforts or investments, we lose our resolve. What we must understand is that when we pray in the Spirit, we are investing in the future. Sometimes it takes awhile before revelation bubbles up to the surface of our understanding. Praying in the Spirit requires faith because it begins where our natural understanding ends. It stretches our faith and increases our capacity to understand God’s wisdom.

Praying with the Understanding

The focus of this chapter is praying in the Spirit; however, praying in the understanding is also extremely beneficial. Paul made it clear that we should pray in both the understanding and the Spirit.