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Thanks for your reply.

The difference between the way we speak of "the Spirit" is something I've been more aware of reading this thread. I'm not sure how to express it.

One way would be the prayer to the Holy Spirit O Heavenly King:

"O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save, our souls, O Good One."

So we can speak of "Spirit" in two ways: As God and as in relationship to us now. "Everywhere present", yet "come and dwell in us"..

I think when Contemplatives and Orthodox speak of "the Spirit" quite often we mean more accurately our 'conscious contact with the divine' or our current state of grace, lack thereof, or our current spiritual condition.

This can be a state of being or consciousness that we are aware of, and it may also include an almost bookkeeping accounting of our unrepented sins and the purity of our heart.

Spiritual growth then is a more, I believe, tangible or intuitively known state of being or intention. It is, in large measure the condition of our heart - which is the perceptual organ, eye, that is used to know God. And through askesis and God's grace this develops over time into more constant conscious contact with God.

This is different I believe than how I see others talk of the Holy Spirit.

So we can speak of "Spirit" in two ways: As God and as in relationship to us now. "Everywhere present", yet "come and dwell in us"..

That's right.

I think when Contemplatives and Orthodox speak of "the Spirit" quite often we mean more accurately our 'conscious contact with the divine' or our current state of grace, lack thereof, or our current spiritual condition

I don't know if you are Orthodox or not, but your mindset is.

This can be a state of being or consciousness that we are aware of, and it may also include an almost bookkeeping accounting of our unrepented sins and the purity of our heart

You said it again. :)

Spiritual growth then is a more, I believe, tangible or intuitively known state of being or intention. It is, in large measure the condition of our heart - which is the perceptual organ, eye, that is used to know God. And through askesis and God's grace this develops over time into more constant conscious contact with God

Look inside!

This is different I believe than how I see others talk of the Holy Spirit

This is Orthodoxy.

Thanks for your answer and observations.

"O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save, our souls, O Good One." So we can speak of "Spirit" in two ways: As God and as in relationship to us now. "Everywhere present", yet "come and dwell in us".

I'm curious about the phrase "come and dwell in us". The tone seems general, but I thought it also could be a penitent prayer. Maybe I'm over-analyzing. :)