How the Holy Spirit guides and comforts you

Second of a 5-part teaching series

by Barbara Lukow

Christians often perceive prayer as a job God has given them: “I can do this! It’s something God desires, and it’s the least I can do for Him.” That approach, however, can lead to frustration: “Praying has become a chore. I’m always saying the same things. I’m really not enjoying this; why do it?”

So, is prayer worth the effort? What is the secret to this relationship with God? How can you maintain it, enjoy it, keep the communication going? Once again, the Gospel of John provides further explanation and encouragement…by teaching you about the dynamic and powerful role the Holy Spirit plays in your prayer experience.

Jesus promises His disciples the Holy Spirit

On the night Christ was betrayed, His disciples were saddened to hear He was going away to be with the Father (John 16:5-6). Although they trusted in His sacrifice and wanted to serve God, they no doubt felt a bit abandoned, inexperienced and alone.

But Jesus assured His followers He would not leave them as orphans (John 14:18). He promised that the Father would send a Helper – the Holy Spirit – at His request. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.” (John 14:15-17)

The Savior describes the work of the Holy Spirit

Jesus also described the work of this Helper. The apostle John aptly recorded the conversation, and the following verses outline that description.

• The Holy Spirit convicts the world: “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:8) For further clarification of this statement, see John 16:9-11.
• He helps, teaches, and reminds Christians: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
• He lives with Christians forever (John 14:16).
• He guides and speaks to Christians: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13)
• He glorifies Christ: “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:14)
• He imparts power and comfort: See Acts 1:8 and Acts 9:31

The Father sends the Holy Spirit

After Christ’s ascension, the Father delivered His promise, sending the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1:1-8 and Acts 2:1-4). The disciples – who had doubted, questioned, and then trusted – waited in Jerusalem as instructed until they received God’s great gift.

The Savior’s promise applies to all Christians, not just the early disciples

Note Peter’s exhortation (following Pentecost) in Acts 2:38-39: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

God, then, dwells in His children through the Holy Spirit (see I Corinthians 3:16). He teaches, helps, and reminds them as they pray! He guides and speaks to them, and will live with them forever.

Consider, fellow Christian, what a glorious God you serve. Prayer is His gift to you…loving communication through which He comforts, guides, speaks, reminds and empowers you by the Holy Spirit. Ask for His guidance daily as you pray for your leaders and the nation, read the Scriptures, and seek His will in your life.

For further study:

• Genesis 1:2
• Galatians 5:16-18
• Ephesians 6:18
• Romans 7:14-8:17
• I Corinthians 3:16
• I Corinthians 2:6-16

Barbara Lukow is a new writer to the Presidential Prayer Team. She is a retired educator, mother, grandmother, and farm wife. She writes short stories, poetry, articles, devotions and novels. Barbara lives with her husband, James, on a small farm in northwest New Mexico.