The Friend Closest to Your Heart -- How well do you know the Holy Spirit?

WAU.org ^ | May, 2012 | Alan Schreck

[Salvation]

The Friend Closest to Your Heart

How well do you know the Holy Spirit?

By: Alan Schreck

Jesus’ way of presenting the Holy Spirit made it evident that his followers were supposed to relate to the Spirit as a teacher, a counselor, a consoler—as someone who would help and guide them in their daily lives as Christians. In the Acts of the Apostles, we saw that Christ’s followers were in a dialogue with the Spirit, who actively directed and assisted them in their missionary activity.

They knew the Spirit as the gift of Jesus and the Father to help guide and strengthen them, and they knew how to call upon the Spirit for his assistance. May we hope for the same experience?

Jesus taught us to relate to the Father as “Abba.” The apostles and disciples—Peter, Mary and Martha, the “beloved disciple,” and all the others—learned to relate to Jesus with warmth and friendship, each in his or her own way. How shall we imagine the person of the Holy Spirit in order to relate to the Spirit with the same depth of love and intimacy that we can have in our relationship with Jesus and the Father?

Recall the meaning of the term “paraclete”: one who is called to be at one’s side, a companion, a friend. Then, remember that, in John’s gospel, Jesus says that in some ways the Holy Spirit will be even closer to the apostles than he was—as a teacher, counselor, and witness within their hearts. On the basis of those characterizations, I would like to suggest a personal image of the Holy Spirit that embodies all that he is and does for us: the Holy Spirit is “the friend closest to our hearts.”

Granted, this is not a biblical image, but it is found in the fathers of the church. St. Cyril of Jerusalem taught that “the Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console.” The Catechism describes the Holy Spirit as “the interior Master of life according to Christ, a gentle guest and friend who inspires, guides, corrects and strengthens this life” (1697).

Our friend the Holy Spirit is close to our hearts in order to set them aflame with love for God and with zeal to witness to our faith. He is close to us to convince us of our sin and to cleanse and purify our hearts. He is a friend strengthening us with virtues and gifts for the good of others and the church.

But most of all, this image of the friend closest to our hearts reminds us that the Holy Spirit is someone with whom we can speak and relate in an intimate, personal way. This image does not force us to put a “face” on the Holy Spirit, for he is a friend who is within us. It would be impossible, as well as unnecessary, to attempt to picture what the Spirit of God looks like as the gentle guest of our souls. We can simply speak to the Holy Spirit as that divine person who dwells within us, who is God’s love poured into our hearts (see Romans 5:5).

Just as we come to the Father and the Son in prayer, then, we can also pray to the Holy Spirit. The Catechism poses the question, “Since he [the Holy Spirit] teaches us to pray by recalling Christ, how could we not pray to the Spirit, too? That is why the church invites us to call upon the Holy Spirit every day, especially at the beginning and end of every important action” (2670).

Our conversations with the Holy Spirit need not be lengthy or involved. As well as expressing the beautiful formal prayers of the church to the Holy Spirit, we may simply use short “aspirations” such as “Come, Holy Spirit”; “Holy Spirit guide me, give me wisdom”; “Spirit of holiness, show me my sin; help me to make a good confession”; or “Holy Spirit, give me patience.” And, in times of urgent need or temptation, a simple “Help” will do! Anyone who has ever struggled with the formulation of a prayer can surely appreciate the Holy Spirit, for as St. Paul taught:

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)

God dwells in the hearts of Christians, and so the Holy Spirit is there, praying with us and for us and in us.

As Jesus assured his followers, Christians have not been left alone, desolate, or orphaned. Called to the side of Jesus’ followers, the Spirit has become our teacher, advocate, counselor, consoler, and friend. He is a sort of second

Emmanuel—”God with us”—but even more profoundly, God within us. As St. Paul put it, we actually become “temples of the Holy Spirit” where God resides and abides (see 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).

[Salvation]

Dr. Allen Schreck is a professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. This is excerpted from Your Life in the Holy Spirit: What Every Catholic Needs to Know and Experience. Please visit bookstore.wau.org to read another selection or purchase the book.

[Salvation]

God dwells in the hearts of Christians, and so the Holy Spirit is there, praying with us and for us and in us.

Catholic Ping!

[Salvation]

Come, Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

V. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Salvation]

The Friend Closest to Your Heart -- How well do you know the Holy Spirit?
On the Holy Spirit's Prayer in Us: 'Abba! Father!'
What Does It Mean to Be Baptized With the Holy Spirit?

What Is the Unforgivable Sin against the Holy Spirit? [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
The Apostles Did Not Commence to Preach the Gospel, Or To Place Anything on Record Until.........
The Holy Spirit and Me
[CATH/ORTH CAUCUS] >From Mediocrity to Magnificence: A Meditation on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Sins Against the Holy Spirit [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
The Holy Spirit and Middlemen
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal
The Holy Spirit And Mary (Catholic Caucus)
Benedict XVI's Homily for Solemnity of Pentecost
Pentecost Past and Present

The Purpose of Pentecost: and the New Missionary Age of the Church
Pentecost: the Holy Spirit Comes
Pentecost on Mount Athos (where earthly time is one and the same as the eternal today of heaven)
Vigil of the Pentecost and Whitsunday
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit [Devotional]
Novena to the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit]
The Holy Spirit: Pentecost
The Church's First Novena
Litany of the Holy Spirit for the election of a holy pope.

[the invisib1e hand]

bump

[wesagain]

With the Holy Spirit of God the Father living within your heart (as promised by Jesus upon our acceptance of Him as Savior), why in the world would you ever, ever need to try to speak to or pray to someone named Mary?

[johngrace]

Bible - RSV
Bible - RSV
Daniel Chapter 14
45: And as she was being led away to be put to death, God aroused the holy spirit of a young lad named Daniel;..Read More[Read More]
Matthew Chapter 1
When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit;..Read More[Read More]
20: But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit;..Read More[Read More]
Matthew Chapter 3
11: “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire...Read More[Read More]
Matthew Chapter 12
32: And whoever says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come...Read More[Read More]
Matthew Chapter 28
19: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,..Read More[Read More]
Mark Chapter 1
8: I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy...Read More[Read More]
Mark Chapter 3
29: but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” —..Read More[Read More]
Mark Chapter 12
36: David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declared, `The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I put thy enemies under thy feet...Read More[Read More]
Mark Chapter 13
11: And when they bring you to trial and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say; but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit...Read More[Read More]
Luke Chapter 1
15: for he will be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb...Read More[Read More]
35: And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God...Read More[Read More]
41: And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit..Read More[Read More]
67: And his father Zechari’ah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,..Read More[Read More]
Luke Chapter 2
25: Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him...Read More[Read More]
26: And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ...Read More[Read More]
Luke Chapter 3
16: John answered them all, “I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire...Read More[Read More]
22: and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased...Read More[Read More]
Luke Chapter 4
1: And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit..Read More[Read More]
Luke Chapter 10
21: In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will...Read More[Read More]
Luke Chapter 11
13: If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”..Read More[Read More]
Luke Chapter 12
10: And every one who speaks a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven...Read More[Read More]
12: for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to...Read More[Read More]
John Chapter 1
33: I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit...Read More[Read More]
26: But the Counselor, 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...Read More[Read More]
John Chapter 20
22: And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 1
2: until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen...Read More[Read More]
5: for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy...Read More[Read More]
8: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sama’ria and to the end of the earth...Read More[Read More]
16: “Brethren, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David, concerning Judas who was guide to those who arrested Jesus...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 2
4: And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance...Read More[Read More]
33: Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you see and hear...Read More[Read More]
38: And Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 4
8: Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,..Read More[Read More]
25: who by the mouth of our father David, thy servant, didst say by the Holy Spirit, `Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain...Read More[Read More]
31: And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 5
3: But Peter said, “Anani’as, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the...Read More[Read More]
32: And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 6
5: And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Proch’orus, and Nica’nor, and Ti’mon, and Par’menas, and Nicola’us, a proselyte of Antioch...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 7
51: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you...Read More[Read More]
55: But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God;..Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 8
15: who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit;..Read More[Read More]
17: Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy...Read More[Read More]
19: saying, “Give me also this power, that any one on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 9
And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit...Read More[Read More]
31: So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Sama’ria had peace and was built up; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 10
38: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him...Read More[Read More]
44: While Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the...Read More[Read More]
45: And the believers from among the circumcised who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles...Read More[Read More]
47: “Can any one forbid water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 11
15: As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the...Read More[Read More]
16: And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, `John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit...Read More[Read More]
24: for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 13
2: While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them...Read More[Read More]
4: So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleu’cia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus...Read More[Read More]
9: But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him..Read More[Read More]
52: And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 15
8: And God who knows the heart bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us;..Read More[Read More]
28: For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:..Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 16
6: And they went through the region of Phry’gia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 19
2: And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit...Read More[Read More]
6: And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 20
23: except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me...Read More[Read More]
28: Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 21
11: And coming to us he took Paul’s girdle and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, `So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this girdle and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles...Read More[Read More]
Acts Chapter 28
25: So, as they disagreed among themselves, they departed, after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:..Read More[Read More]
Romans Chapter 5
5: and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us...Read More[Read More]
Romans Chapter 9
1: I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit,..Read More[Read More]
Romans Chapter 14
17: For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit;..Read More[Read More]
Romans Chapter 15
13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope...Read More[Read More]
16: to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit...Read More[Read More]
19: by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that from Jerusalem and as far round as Illyr’icum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ,..Read More[Read More]
1 Corinthians Chapter 6
19: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your...Read More[Read More]
1 Corinthians Chapter 12
3: Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit...Read More[Read More]
2 Corinthians Chapter 6
6: by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love,..Read More[Read More]
2 Corinthians Chapter 13
14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all...Read More[Read More]
Ephesians Chapter 4
30: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of...Read More[Read More]
1 Thessalonians Chapter 1
5: for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake...Read More[Read More]
6: And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit;..Read More[Read More]
2 Timothy Chapter 1
14: guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within...Read More[Read More]
Titus Chapter 3
5: he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit,..Read More[Read More]
Hebrews Chapter 2
4: while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will...Read More[Read More]
Hebrews Chapter 3
7: Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, when you hear his voice,..Read More[Read More]
Hebrews Chapter 6
4: For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,..Read More[Read More]
Hebrews Chapter 9
8: By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the sanctuary is not yet opened as long as the outer tent is still standing..Read More[Read More]
Hebrews Chapter 10
15: And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,..Read More[Read More]
1 Peter Chapter 1
12: It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things which have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look...Read More[Read More]
2 Peter Chapter 1
21: because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God...Read More[Read More]
Jude Chapter 1
20: But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit;..Read More[Read More]

[Campion]

Ever ask anyone else to pray for you? Paul did.

[Salvation]

“And by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.”

Seems like the Holy Spirit and Mary were well acquainted.

Quote from the Creed. All bow their heads at this part of the Creed because of the awesomeness of The Son of God, Jesus Christ becoming man!

[Jane Long]

;^)

[johngrace]

"With the Holy Spirit of God the Father living within your heart (as promised by Jesus upon our acceptance of Him as Savior), why in the world would you ever, ever need to try to speak to or pray to someone named Mary?"

Classic stereotype misunderstanding. Remember We Catholics believe we are praying with the Saints in Heaven. So the Same reason Paul and Peter in the book of Acts accept prayers from the Faithful that caused the Angels to release them from Jail.

Why did not the Holy Spirit alone within them cause it?

Maybe the Lord likes a Christian Family that prays together than alone.

Praise Jesus!

Freeper Cheers!

[johngrace]

AMEN!!!

[johngrace]

“And by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.”

Seems like the Holy Spirit and Mary were well acquainted.

Quote from the Creed. All bow their heads at this part of the Creed because of the awesomeness of The Son of God, Jesus Christ becoming man!"

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Dear Sister- You can say that again!

This is were The New Ager spell caster could not declare Christ came in the Flesh or Born of the Virgin Mary(Woman of Flesh/Human). It was exactly on these verses of the creed. Of course it was the other version the creed before this change by the Pope. This new one now is more specific.

If you remember my reply posts its now on my profile. She could not do it at all just contortions. Then after several attempts replies "That there are many gods" .

Any one who can declare this in the personal pronoun has the Holy Spirit.

It was just amazing to see it in person that the Holy Spirit would not allow this person to declare it. It truly changed how to deal with these types at times for me.

Please pray for this person. She still has not let go of this I am praying.

She called this winter that my mom "contacted" her to watch out. I had to lecture her.

Praying the Blood of Christ over her.

[wesagain]

You both missed the point. Paul never asked anyone to pray to Mary.

[AnneM62]

Pray tell, do you have access to a dictionary?

[johngrace]

http://www.cin.org/users/james/files/praying.htm

This article should help. Please read in it the two meanings of Prayer in the middle.

Praise Jesus and as The Angel declared Hail Mary!!

Freeper Cheers!

[johngrace]

http://www.cin.org/users/james/files/praying.htm

[stevio]

Bump.

[Iscool]

Classic stereotype misunderstanding. Remember We Catholics believe we are praying with the Saints in Heaven.

How do you know what they are praying???  How do you know they are praying???

We do know that Catholics are taught to pray TO the saints AND Mary...

[johngrace]

I guess there is not much more to say? Iscool is here!! LOL!! He knows all and tells all? He is able to leap a single bound while reading and knowing scripture? He is able to leap with a bible in his hand off a thirty floor building into a barrel of water?

Good Night Iscool! Tired. It's getting late.

Freeper Cheers!