Mind vs. Spirit

(continued from last post)

“I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also.” (1 Corinthians 14:15 ESV)

The skeletal muscles that are attached to the bones of our arms and legs are voluntary muscles. Most of the time, we decide when and how to move these muscles. Yet, if you have ever had your reflexes checked, you know that we can also have knee-jerk reactions to certain stimuli. Involuntary muscles can be found in our intestines and hearts. These muscles are beyond our conscious control, but they help our  internal organs to function consistently. Both voluntary and involuntary muscles are integral to our well-being.

The mind and the spirit are two separate entities. The mind is filled with thoughts, which are like the voluntary muscles in our body. Some of our thoughts may be reflexive, but most can be directed with discipline.  The spirit is like an involuntary muscle that is beyond our control. When we pray with our minds--we consciously direct our thoughts and concerns up to God. However, the spirit within us prays on its own accord, as long as we don’t destroy it.