Sometimes being a Christian makes me feel like I’m a superhero. Not one of those “born this way” ones. More like Spiderman, who got bit by a radioactive spider and became a Marvel phenomenon. My faith “bit” me in the same way, and I feel like it gave me certain tools that serve me well in life. One of these is the ability to hone my relationship with the Holy Spirit. Are you searching for an inner guidance? A still, soft voice that gently pushes you in the right direction? Below are some tips for honing in on the superpower within you.
1. Introduce yourself.
Sounds cheesy, right? But would you embark on a life-long relationship without taking that first step? Acknowledging the spirit is the first step on a track of knowing ye ol’ Holy Ghost better. You can make an introduction in a simple way, or within an extravagant ritual. The point is, you invite the spirit to reside within you. To prepare yourself for this, think of one event in your past that you felt suddenly “visited” by something otherworldly. It can be something small, like a flood of love or joy. Or it can be a small voice comforting you in a time of desperation and strife. Whatever it is, write it down and then prepare your own script based on that experience. I’ll share mine for you. It’s nice and embarrassing to get the ball rolling . . .
Spirit, that day when I was sick and had to lie down in the communal bathroom. I was on the floor, feeling so stupid and embarrassed. All alone, my friend had gone to get my mother. As I lay there, watching the lights above me, I suddenly felt a wave of well-being. I was still in pain, still hurting, but strangely not afraid. I welcome you in again, Spirit, to comfort me in good times and in bad. Visit me the way you did that day. Let’s walk together in this journey.
Don’t worry, my mom took me home and I was fine. I was around 12 when this happened, an experience I’ll never forget.
2. Find a quiet place to say hello.
God speaks in those silent moments when we aren’t rushing here and there, seeing to the things in life that fill so much of our days. To be clear, you can access the power of the Holy Spirit anywhere, but let’s make this introduction proper. After you find your “zen” place, speak or read aloud your introduction. Light a candle if you wish, leave your eyes open or closed (maybe after you lit the candle). The point is, treat the interaction with respect and make the words meaningful.
3. Let the spirit respond!
The third step is the most fun (for me at least). After you are done, let the spirit respond within you. For me, this is a warm, tingly feeling, a “glowing” if that makes any sense. You may experience the spirit differently. It could be a news article you see, a phrase you keep hearing, or even a song you hear on the radio that’s significant for you. The point is, if you aren’t aware and waiting for a response, you may miss it. Write down or share with a friend how the spirit visits you. You may be surprised with the myriad of ways the spirit interacts with us.
4. Keep in touch.
You can’t keep a relationship going by being “that girl” who only hangs out when she doesn’t have a boyfriend. Check in with the spirit! Have daily mantras or meditations that bring you closer to that “feeling” of wholeness. Go on walks and speak to the spirit aloud. Read scripture and meditate on the word. The ways in which you interact will be different from me or anyone else. It’s your compass, after all, not mine.
Using these methods, you’ll be able to uncover the great gift of the spirit. How do you interact with this gift? Tell me in the comments.
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