"in the Spirit"

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Aquila

It isn't strictly one's own spirit that is praying. In fact, the Holy Spirit is also interceding.

Romans 8:25-27 King James Version (KJV)
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

True but that was not what Paul was referring to by IN THE SPIRIT.

he was simply referring to the human spirit being in activity towards God's Spirit. You are speaking of the spirit in 1 Cor 14:14 in a context Paul was not. Which is fine and true.

How is it that it is considered to be our spirit praying, yet the Holy Spirit may also make intercession through us and our prayers? We read...

1 Corinthians 6:17 English Standard Version (ESV)
17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.

He is truly the Vine... and we are the branches. Living extensions of Him. The Spirit prays and speaks through our spirit when tongues are taking place. This is also seen when coupled with interpretation. It is the Spirit that is speaking through His abiding presence in our spirit, our inner man. This realization broke upon me after God began using me with regards to tongues and interpretation.

That being said, even when we pray with understanding (as the Spirit leads), we are praying "in the Spirit".

But that IN THE SPIRIT is not what Paul meant in 1 Cor 14:14. I agree we are IN THE SPIRIT when we pray in native language by knowing what to pray for an what God hears. But in the context of 1 Cor 14:14, the only reference in the bible that says PRAY IN THE SPIRIT it is not speaking about what you are speaking about. That's all that I am saying.