Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26
One evening when I came home from work, there was a package waiting for me. As I do not purchase things online, I was keen to open the parcel. It was an unexpected one from my friend Alice Nicolas, with a message on the book: “Dear Dina, I thought about you when we were travelling, so I bought this for you. Happy reading. Love, Alice.” Wow! For someone to think of me from a distance during their travel is inspiring enough. And to purchase a souvenir is even more profound. And to be sent a book that I had been ruminating on for the last few months is incredible! Thanks, Alice!
Faith Still Moves Mountains, written by Harris Faulkner, tells of miraculous stories of the healing power of prayer. Lately, I have had friends and community members pass away, despite fervent prayers. My faith was on shaky ground, and I needed encouragement to overcome some vulnerability in my confidence in God’s purpose and timing.
Since I started a close relationship with the Holy Spirit, many mystical and supernatural things have surrounded me. On May 19 this year, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. Having been educated at the College of the Holy Spirit all my life, and having served in a teaching role for seven years before I left for Australia, the Holy Spirit holds a special place in my heart – even when I displaced Him for other things (New Age) in one season of my life.
Jesus assured His Apostles at the Last Supper: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth…” (John 14:16–17). In this sense, Jesus was consoling them that the Holy Spirit would be their comforter, counsellor, leader, and guide – His very presence in them.
Have you ever had a dark moment in your life when you wanted so badly to speak to someone who could comfort, console, and guide you? It is refreshing when someone spends time with you during those critical, gloomy moments. As a counsellor myself, I have hopefully made an impact on others as I sat with them during times of grief, bereavement, loss, and anxiety over life issues.
More importantly, the Holy Spirit is the revealer of God’s plan. His mission is to reveal Jesus, the Word of God, and make Him fully alive in each one of us.
One thing I have learned about the Holy Spirit is that He is a person. I can grieve Him, hurt Him, insult, or blaspheme Him. How do I know I have offended Him? I lose the joy in my life. A dark shadow seems to hover, and no matter what I do to satisfy my yearnings – travel, a nice meal, a new dress, an expensive perfume, good company, a great movie, and many other earthly comforts – there seems to be a great sadness over my life. My spirit becomes inconsolable. When I regain His friendship, there is a bubbling joy, and even amidst affliction, I find the courage to pass through with strength and gladness of heart.
As the Giver of all good gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8–10) and Helper in the maturity of spiritual fruits (Galatians 5:22–23), I am humbly privileged to have been called to be a servant, a vessel, and a witness to His glory. One of the gifts He has blessed me with is the gift of tongues, often misunderstood as well. Speaking in tongues – praying in tongues – is a phenomenon not fully understood by many. But I have used it regularly since receiving it during a baptism in the Holy Spirit in the year 2000, at a Life in the Spirit seminar. It helps during many troubled times – when I am confused, fearful, in need of protection, anxious, sad, or persecuted – when I pray over someone, when I ask for healing for myself or others, and when I need strength, courage, and wisdom. Have I studied its origin? Its authentication? No… because I believe that what the Holy Spirit has given me is trustworthy enough to use.
But no one should feel compelled to seek or display a particular gift or prayer style. Rather, one should remain open to the Holy Spirit in the ways He wants to lead or use us. Having this special gift does not mean I am more special or holy than others. In fact, that would be pride and arrogance – not the work of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit convicts, it is to protect me.
There was one time many years ago, when I was walking along a trail, and at the end of the road was a group of young men looking rather suspicious. Praying in tongues as I walked, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Do not take that path; they will harm you.” The Holy Spirit led me to take another road at the fork. It took me an additional 20 minutes to get home, but I was safe. Working with the Holy Spirit in obedience is another wonderful gift from Him.
Praying in the Holy Spirit is not a formula. It is asking Him to help us, surrendering to His will, and allowing Him to empower us to obey – to live like Jesus. It is ongoing and very intimate. Your joys, glad tidings, and delights; your fears, worries, afflictions, and pains can be freely shared. Even your deepest, darkest secret is embraced – like by a best friend – with affection, gentleness, and quiet understanding.
