Last week, we started a discussion on connecting with the Holy Spirit where we gave some practical steps to relating to the Holy Spirit. This week, we continue from where we had stopped.

 

3. Cultivate silence and solitude – our world is noisy. Sometimes, we need to dim or get away from all the noise to commune with the Holy Spirit, even as it is always present in our lives. But if we do not consciously give it a chance, we might miss its gentle promptings and directions as the Holy Spirit does not scream at us. So, it is important to get away from all the noise and be alone with just our thoughts, as uncomfortable as this might be. A good way to practicalize this is to begin small. Find 20 minutes where you can be alone, away from noise and distractions, having put your phone on silence and begin with “Come Holy Spirit” and just listen and be quiet. Your thoughts would run haywire, but as many times as your thoughts run wide, bring yourself back to the moment and to the fact that you are trying to spend time with the Holy Spirit in solitude and silence. In the word of the Psalmist in 37:7, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him”. While in 1kings 19:12 – “…after the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.”

 

4. Practice inviting the Holy Spirit into your activities – Actively court the presence, influence and intervention of the Holy Spirit, not just in difficult situations. Call it into your plans, routine work, time at the gym, and discussion with friends. Open yourself up to the regular leading of the Holy Spirit and listen to its promptings and leadings. The Holy Spirit is closer to us than we think; we only need to tap into its presence around us and experience the comfort and peace it brings.

 

5. Seek for the gift of the Holy Spirit – While prayer is central to walking closer with the Holy Spirit, praying for the Holy Spirit’s gifts is another essential way. There are at least seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Which of them appeals the most to you? That is probably the one you should actively request in prayer. Romans 12: 3-8 details the various gifts. These gifts equip us to serve one another and fulfil Jesus' mission in the world.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth…