Developing an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit should be the goal of every believer. After all, Jesus said He would send “another helper” to be with us forever (John 14:16).
Yet for many Christians, the Holy Spirit is a foggy concept or simply the means to speak in tongues. This misses out on connecting with the Spirit of God in a real, personal way.
Just as the disciples walked in friendship with Jesus while He was on earth, so too can you develop a close friendship with the Holy Spirit today.
When you get to know the Holy Spirit, He will transform you from within and guide you into an overflowing spiritual life. Your relationship with Him makes all the difference!
In this blog post, I’ll explore simple, practical ways to build a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Why Bother Getting to Know the Holy Spirit?
You may be thinking: I already believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Why focus so much on developing my relationship with the Spirit?
Here are a few key reasons why every Christian needs to prioritize knowing the Holy Spirit intimately:
- The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus. Jesus said, “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14). The more you know Him, the more precious Jesus becomes to you.
- The Holy Spirit empowers us. Jesus promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). Walking in the Spirit’s power enables you to live supernaturally.
- The Holy Spirit transforms us. As you relate to the Spirit, He produces His fruit in your life – “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
- The Holy Spirit leads and guides us. Jesus said the Spirit of truth “will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). Listening to His voice is crucial for following God’s will.
Simply knowing about the Holy Spirit isn’t enough. You need to know Him intimately and walk in step with Him every day.
The Apostle Paul‘s burning passion was to truly “know” Christ (Philippians 3:10). Have the same desire to know the Holy Spirit in a deep, personal way.
Walking in the Spirit Starts with Talking to Him
Many Christians struggle to relate with the Holy Spirit because they still view Him as an impersonal force, not a real Person.
But the Bible is clear: the Holy Spirit is the very Spirit of God dwelling within us (1 Corinthians 3:16). He is a Person, not a vague power.
Just as you cultivate any close friendship, relating to the Holy Spirit requires talking to Him. Consider these steps:
1. Set aside regular time to talk with the Holy Spirit. Start your day by conversing with the Spirit in prayer. Share your heart, confessions, gratitude, and requests. Ask for His guidance and insights throughout your day.
2. Talk to the Spirit continually as you go about your day. Chat with Him while driving, doing chores, or running errands. Discuss decisions, temptations you face, and interactions with people. Involve Him in the specific details of your life.
3. Listen to the Spirit’s voice. Learn to recognize His inner promptings to guide you. Sometimes He speaks through “whispers” in your spirit, Bible verses, godly wisdom, nudges to act, or even godly counsel from others.
4. Be real and transparent. Don’t worry about praying “right.” The Holy Spirit already knows you fully. Pour out your heart authentically. Admit your struggles. His conviction brings hope, not condemnation.
5. Let it be a two-way conversation. Make room for the Spirit to speak to you. Reflect on the thoughts He brings to mind. Write down the key lessons and guidance He will reveal to you.
Talking to the Holy Spirit may feel awkward at first. But just be yourself. There’s no pressure to sound super spiritual. He loves you as you are.
As you make chatting with the Holy Spirit part of your lifestyle, it will grow more natural. You’ll come to rely on Him as your closest confidant and friend.
Prioritize the Spirit’s Inner Guidance
Another key to walking in the Spirit is learning to discern and obey His inner promptings. The Holy Spirit speaks to us His children in many ways, including:
- A still, small voice in you.
- Conviction or unease about a decision.
- Sudden thoughts of wisdom.
- “Nudges” to act on something specific.
- Confirmation through Scripture.
- Spiritual dreams and visions.
- Messages through other believers.
Pay attention to these inner leadings of the Spirit. They are evidence of His active presence guiding your life!
However, you have to prioritize listening to the Spirit above other voices that compete for your attention:
- Put the Spirit’s guidance above man’s opinions. Our culture shouts noisy opinions about how we should think, act, and feel. But the Holy Spirit will gently lead you into God’s truth and will. Quiet your soul to hear Him.
- Listen to the Spirit more than your own reasoning. Your natural logic easily justifies poor choices. Seek the Spirit’s higher wisdom in every decision, not mere human rationalizations.
- Trust the Spirit over your emotions. Don’t be led astray by feelings and impulses. The Holy Spirit’s guidance brings lasting peace and bears good fruit.
As you grow more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s inner witness, you’ll learn to recognize His voice and promptings. Obedience will bring great rewards!
Make the Holy Spirit Feel Welcome In Your Life
At times, even passionate believers can neglect the Holy Spirit’s presence. We get preoccupied and forget to include Him.
But the Bible warns repeatedly not to “quench” or “grieve” the Spirit by persisting in sin or ignoring His voice (1 Thessalonians 5:19, Ephesians 4:30).
Here are some simple tips to make the Holy Spirit feel loved and welcome in your life:
- Invite the Spirit into every situation. Pray throughout your day, “Holy Spirit, I need You here.” Discuss decisions and challenges with Him first.
- Ask the Spirit to search your heart. Pray regularly as David did, “Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there is any grievous way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24). Allow Him to cleanse and renew you.
- Deal with sin promptly. As soon as the Spirit convicts you, confess your sin and turn from it. Don’t continue quenching His voice.
- Accept the Spirit’s correction. When the Holy Spirit lovingly highlights an area that needs growth, receive it humbly. Cooperate with His transforming work in you.
- Thank the Spirit for His presence. Regularly express your gratitude to the Holy Spirit. Praise Him for His work in your life. Appreciate His friendship.
As you intentionally honor the Holy Spirit and rely on Him more, you’ll experience His presence like never before.
Simple Ways to Build Your Affection for The Holy Spirit
In John 14:21, Jesus said, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me.” This principle applies to the Holy Spirit too.
As you obey the Spirit more, your heart will grow to love Him more. It becomes a blessed cycle – the more you know Him, the more you love Him.
Consider these tips for building your love for the Holy Spirit:
- Spend time in the Word daily. The Bible reveals the Spirit’s divine attributes and His work throughout history. Meeting Him in the Word ignites love for Him.
- Meditate on the Spirit’s holy character. Reflect on His attributes – eternal, omnipresent, all-knowing, merciful, gentle, powerful, wise. Stand in awe of who He is.
- Thank the Spirit for His specific works in your life. Recall the meaningful guidance He’s given you. Rejoice over the prayers He’s answered. Appreciate your spiritual breakthroughs.
- Sing worship songs to the Holy Spirit. Many hymns and modern worship songs exalt the Spirit’s beauty and ministry. Join the heavenly chorus in praising Him.
- Ask God to deepen your affection for the Spirit. Prayerfully read Paul’s example in Ephesians 3:14-21. Pray for the Spirit’s empowering presence in your inner being.
The more passionate you grow in loving the Holy Spirit, the more He can fill and flow through your life.
Stay Dependent on the Spirit Daily
It’s easy in ministry to rely on your natural talents and strengths rather than operating in the Spirit’s power.
But Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Spirit’s empowerment before embarking on their mission (Acts 1:4).
Here are some ways to stay dependent on the Holy Spirit each day:
- Begin your day praying, “Holy Spirit, I need You. I acknowledge my inability to live this day without You.”
- When facing a challenge, immediately ask the Spirit for help. Pray, “Holy Spirit, apart from You I can do nothing.”
- Before teaching God’s Word or sharing your faith, plead for the Spirit’s anointing and boldness.
- If you find yourself stressed or overwhelmed, cry out, “Holy Spirit, I need You to carry this burden for me.”
- When convicted about a difficult action or conversation, ask the Spirit to fill you and guide your words and responses.
- If struggling with self-effort, stop and pray, “Holy Spirit, I choose to do nothing apart from Your leading and empowering.”
- Stay mindful of your constant need for the Spirit’s help and this will keep you walking in His strength.
Just as Jesus depended fully on the Holy Spirit’s anointing for ministry, so must we. Living filled with the Spirit should be your daily lifestyle.
Key Takeaways on Developing A Close Relationship with the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit longs to have intimate friendship with every believer in Christ.
- Talking to the Spirit continually is vital for building a strong relationship with Him.
- Listen for and obey the Holy Spirit’s inner promptings as He guides you.
- Stay sensitive and do not grieve or quench the Spirit’s voice and presence.
- Grow in loving the Holy Spirit more through God’s Word, praise, prayer, and obedience.
- Remain dependent on the Spirit to empower you daily.
The more you know Him, the more precious Jesus will become to you and His supernatural life will flow through you.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Holy Spirit
Here are some common questions people ask about building a dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit:
Q. How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
A. To be filled with the Spirit, confess any known sin in your life, put your faith in Christ, and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His presence.
Also, continually “walk in the Spirit” through obedience, prayer, and abiding in God’s Word.
Q. How do I know if I’ve grieved the Holy Spirit?
A. You may have grieved the Holy Spirit by persisting in known sin, ignoring His gentle conviction, neglecting time in God’s Word and prayer, or making big decisions without His input.
Examine your conscience and relationship with the Holy Spirit. Confess whatever sin He reveals and stay sensitive to His voice.
Q. What’s the difference between the Holy Spirit and “conscience”?
A. Your conscience is like an inner moral alarm system God gave every person to reveal right and wrong.
The Holy Spirit takes this further, actively convicting and correcting believers in specific areas to conform them to Christ’s image.
Learn to recognize His gentle conviction.
Q. How do I hear the Holy Spirit speak?
A. God speaks by the Holy Spirit in many ways, including Bible verses, intuitive thoughts, godly counsel, visions, dreams, prophecies, inner “promptings” and even through creation.
Expect Him to speak, then listen for His “still small voice” in your spirit. Write down the messages He gives you so you can remember them later on.
Q. Why do I struggle to sense the Holy Spirit’s presence?
A. He’s with you! But sin and busyness can dull our spiritual senses. Regularly confess known sins. Find time to be alone and be still in God’s presence.
Pray for greater awareness of Him. Most importantly, just thank Him that He is with you, whether you feel Him or not.
Q. Can I worship the Holy Spirit?
A. Yes, absolutely. Though the Spirit points us to exalt Jesus Christ, He is fully God and deserves worship.
Many passages in the Bible describe worshiping, praying to, and singing praises directly to the Holy Spirit.
May God inspire you in new ways to walk in close friendship with His Spirit every day!
