In the last few weeks, the internet has blown up with different reactions to certain trending prayer postures, particularly the groaning that turn up immediately a prayer session begins. In response to this, Pastor Joshua Banjo has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the matter of groaning in the place of prayer.
The social media post reads as follows:
"Groaning Is Not a Prayer Method
A few days ago, I attended a meeting led by Minister BBO. During that meeting, I had a conversation with my Elder brother, Pastor Daniel Olawande. We were discussing groanings, the current tensions in the body of Christ, prayer methods, and prayer postures.
As we spoke, I shared some of the things I had come to understand from my personal study of Scripture, especially around Romans 8:26 — "We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
One thing that became clear to me again is this:
Scripture does not present groaning as a method believers are taught to practice. Rather, it reveals a ministry of the Holy Spirit when human language reaches its limitation.
Groaning is not something we manufacture to appear spiritual. It is something the Spirit produces when He takes over intercession.
At the same time, we must be careful not to dismiss sincere spiritual expressions. The Bible records moments of deep intensity and travail in prayer (Luke 22:44). Yet Jesus also warned us against turning prayer into outward performance, reminding us that the Father responds to intimacy, not display (Matthew 6:6).
So the issue is not posture. The issue is not volume.
Ìṣòro kì í ṣe ìrísí tàbí ìlànà àdúrà; ìṣòro gidi ni ẹni tí ń darí àdúrà náà — ara ẹni (ẹ̀ran) ni, tàbí Ẹ̀mí?
(The issue is who is leading the prayer — the flesh or the Spirit) (Romans 8:14).
When expressions become measurements, confusion will definitely enterthe body. And when experiences become doctrine, imbalance follows SWIFTLY. Yet when this truth is taught without love, unity suffers.
My heart in sharing this is not to attack any stream, posture, or expression, but to call us back to sound doctrine, spiritual balance, and unity, "endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).
We need truth.
But we also need love.
Your Brother
Joshua Banjo
Netizens
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