The gifts of the Spirit, as outlined in Christian theology (particularly from passages like 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, Romans 12:6–8, and Ephesians 4:11), are often categorized into three broad groups:
Very Present Help
1. Gifts of Revelation (Insight)
These gifts reveal something supernatural, often involving understanding or discerning truth:
- Word of Wisdom: Supernatural insight into God’s purposes or guidance for future action.
- Word of Knowledge: Supernatural revelation of facts or truths about a situation, person, or event that could not be known naturally.
- Discernment of Spirits: Ability to discern the spiritual influences behind actions or events (whether divine, demonic, or human).
2. Gifts of Power (Action)
These gifts demonstrate God’s power in action:
- Faith: Extraordinary confidence in God to perform a miracle or bring about a supernatural result.
- Gifts of Healing: Supernatural ability to heal physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments.
- Working of Miracles: Supernatural intervention that defies natural laws or outcomes.
3. Gifts of Utterance (Speaking)
These gifts involve speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:
- Prophecy: Speaking a message from God for edification, exhortation, or comfort.
- Tongues: Speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, often as a prayer language or as a message for interpretation.
- Interpretation of Tongues: Supernatural ability to interpret the meaning of a message given in tongues.
Additional Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6–8; Ephesians 4:11):
Some gifts are less supernatural but are still empowered by the Spirit to serve the church:
- Teaching: Explaining and applying Scripture clearly.
- Leadership: Guiding and inspiring others toward a common goal.
- Giving: Generosity and the ability to contribute resources for God’s work.
- Mercy: Compassion and help for those in need.
- Serving: Practical help to meet needs.
- Exhortation: Encouraging and strengthening others in their faith.
These gifts are given to believers by the Holy Spirit to build up the church and further God’s mission in the world. Different traditions may emphasize some gifts more than others.
Here are 20 prayer points on the gifts of the Spirit, with accompanying Bible references:
Prayers for Desire and Activation of the Gifts
- Father, help me earnestly desire spiritual gifts for the edification of Your church.
“Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1) - Lord, I yield myself to the Holy Spirit; let Your gifts manifest through me for Your glory.
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) - Holy Spirit, stir up the gifts You have deposited in me. Help me to use them boldly.
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.” (2 Timothy 1:6)
Prayers for the Gifts of Revelation
- Grant me the spirit of wisdom to walk in Your divine counsel in all areas of my life.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” (James 1:5) - Holy Spirit, reveal the hidden things to me through the Word of Knowledge.
“For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10) - Lord, help me discern spirits accurately to avoid deception and walk in truth.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” (1 John 4:1)
Prayers for the Gifts of Power
- Father, let the gift of faith be activated in my life to do the impossible through You.
“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move.’” (Matthew 17:20) - Lord, use me as an instrument of healing to bring wholeness to others.
“By His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) - Holy Spirit, let the working of miracles manifest through me to glorify Your name.
“And God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul.” (Acts 19:11)
Prayers for the Gifts of Utterance
- Father, grant me the gift of prophecy to speak words that edify, exhort, and comfort.
“He who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” (1 Corinthians 14:3) - Lord, give me the ability to speak in tongues for personal edification and intercession.
“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.” (1 Corinthians 14:4) - Holy Spirit, grant me the gift of interpreting tongues for the benefit of Your church.
“Let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.” (1 Corinthians 14:13)
Prayers for the Additional Gifts
- Lord, anoint me to teach Your Word with clarity and truth.
“Go therefore and make disciples… teaching them to observe all things.” (Matthew 28:19–20) - Father, help me to lead others in love and humility, reflecting Christ in all I do.
“If it is to lead, do it diligently.” (Romans 12:8) - Lord, give me a heart of generosity to give cheerfully and abundantly.
“God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) - Father, fill me with compassion to show mercy and kindness to those in need.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) - Holy Spirit, help me serve others faithfully, reflecting the love of Christ.
“If it is serving, then serve.” (Romans 12:7) - Lord, empower me to encourage and strengthen others in their faith journey.
“Encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Prayers for Unity and Love in Using the Gifts
- Father, teach me to use my gifts in love, remembering that love is the greatest gift of all.
“If I have not love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) - Lord, unify Your church so that we may operate in our gifts harmoniously for Your glory.
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:4)
These prayer points are meant to guide and inspire you in seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life and ministry.
