Topical Bible: Prayer: The Holy Spirit: As the Spirit of Adoptions, Leads To

◄ Prayer: The Holy Spirit: As the Spirit of Adoptions, Leads To ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Prayer, in the Christian faith, is a vital means of communication with God, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, often referred to as the Spirit of Adoption, plays a crucial role in the believer's prayer life, leading them into a deeper relationship with God as their Father.

The Spirit of Adoption

The concept of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Adoption is rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 8:15, Paul writes, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" . This passage highlights the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to approach God with the intimacy and confidence of a child to a father.

Role in Prayer

The Spirit of Adoption leads believers in prayer by affirming their identity as children of God. This assurance transforms the nature of prayer from a ritualistic obligation to a heartfelt conversation with a loving Father. Galatians 4:6 further emphasizes this relationship: "And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" . The Spirit prompts believers to address God with the familial term "Abba," reflecting a close, personal relationship.

Intercession and Guidance

The Holy Spirit also intercedes for believers, especially in times of weakness or uncertainty in prayer. Romans 8:26-27 states, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." . This intercession ensures that the prayers of believers align with God's will, even when they lack the words or understanding to express their needs.

Empowerment and Boldness

The Spirit of Adoption empowers believers to pray with boldness and confidence. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." . This boldness is not based on human merit but on the assurance of being God's children, a status confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

Transformation and Conformity to Christ

Through prayer, the Holy Spirit works to transform believers, conforming them to the image of Christ. As believers engage in prayer, the Spirit cultivates the fruit of the Spirit within them, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. This transformation is a testament to the Spirit's ongoing work in the believer's life, leading them to live in a manner that reflects their identity as children of God.

In summary, the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of Adoption, plays an integral role in the prayer life of believers. By affirming their identity as God's children, interceding on their behalf, and empowering them to pray with boldness, the Spirit leads believers into a deeper, more intimate relationship with their Heavenly Father.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 8:15
For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 4:6
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... Nor is it without cause that the Holy Spirit bears such ... but persevere in the contest,
and by prayer stimulate their ... to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm