“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26
The small church group bowed their heads. One by one each offered up the prayers of their hearts. Some prayed to “Father God.” Others called on the name of Jesus. At the end, ten year-old Tommy tugged on his mother’s sleeve. “Mom, why doesn’t anyone talk to the Holy Spirit?”
Good question. The Triune God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three in One. But what is His role? Jesus explained to his disciples in this way:
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
Paul tells us the Holy Spirit groans beyond words when He intercedes in prayer for us (Romans 8:26). Not only that, but, “he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:27)
So why don’t we talk to Him? Do we see him as the least of the Trinity? Of course not. But maybe it is because we pray through Him. Have you ever watched two people from different countries speak through a translator? They don’t talk to the translator, but to each other, pausing to listen to what the translator interprets. They both trust that the translator is correctly conveying their words and intent.
When we pray, the Holy Spirit translates our earthly thoughts, pleadings, and desires into holy, heavenly language. God responds, and the Holy Spirit imbeds His truth in our hearts, minds and souls. Of course, that is an over simplified answer, but the Holy Spirit is given to us for a reason—He enhances our prayer life and our study of the Scripture, making sure we interpret God’s will for us correctly.
Father in Heaven, in Your Son’s name, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who is with us with every breath we take. Teach us to listen to Him more, so we can, through the example of Jesus, be more attuned to Your will for our lives and those we touch. Amen.
TAKE ACTION:
The next time you pray or study the Word, be more aware of the Holy Spirit’s role in the process to teach, correct and direct your thoughts to God the Father.