by Doreen Kajulu | 3 January 2026 08:46 pm01
In the Bible, a spiritual gift refers to a God‑given ability that goes beyond normal human capacity and is meant to serve God’s purposes. These gifts are also called graces from God.
For example, one person may be gifted to heal, another to prophesy, another to speak in spiritual languages, another to teach, another to give generously, another to evangelize, and so on.
These spiritual gifts can be grouped into three main categories:
This type of gift is not something we earn, ask for, or pick ourselves. God calls the person and places the gift within them. In Scripture, people like Jeremiah, Isaiah, the apostles, and Paul were chosen and gifted by God for specific purposes and given ability to carry out the work God assigned them.
These gifts are given to every believer when they trust in Christ and receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit assigns these gifts according to His will, as described in:
1 Corinthians 12:8–10 (ESV)
For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge…to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit…to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy…to another kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
This is a type of grace that a person does not receive alone, but through the prayers and support of others in the body of Christ. We see this in:
2 Corinthians 1:11 (ESV)
“You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”
This verse shows that some gifts, ministries, and breakthroughs come through the united prayers of many believers, not only through an individual’s personal effort.
Too often, people underestimate the importance of praying for their leaders. The growth of the church, ministries, and God‑given vision depends greatly on the strength and prayer support of those carrying the vision. Without being prayed for, no matter how faithful or hardworking a leader is, they may stay at a certain level and not rise to greater maturity or fruitfulness.
Paul’s effectiveness as a servant of Christ was not based solely on his calling or the work of the Holy Spirit within him alone—but also on the many people who prayed for him.
For example, our ministry (Light of Love) depends on many prayers to flourish and shine. If you are moved to set aside time to pray, your prayers strengthen leaders and help proclaim the Gospel boldly and patiently. As a result, many come to trust God and offer gratitude — and honor is given to God.
We need your prayers so that we may boldly preach the Gospel, just as Paul requested in:
Ephesians 6:18–19 (ESV)
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication… and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel…”
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2026/01/03/spiritual-gifts-we-receive-through-the-support-of-many-people/
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