I have a friend who, I believe, lets the Spirit speak through her all the time.
She's so good at responding to people in conversation—at listening to them, being with them, and responding to what they say or how they feel. When I'm with her and I'm speaking with her, I feel heard. I feel loved. And I think, That's the Spirit.
I, on the other hand, find myself worrying about whether I'm saying the right thing in many situations.
Am I being attentive to this person and showing them that I'm listening? Am I reflecting their dignity—sharing with them that they are valued? Am I comforting them?
These thoughts can run through my head, and quickly. It's almost like a filter and what I want to let through is light and love.
But there are times when words come easily, more easily than the worry, and I can respond more naturally. Without fear. With faith. Sometimes I think it's because of the Holy Spirit being in that present moment, and at other times, I think it's because He's repeatedly come to my aid in the past and prepared me for moments like these.
Either way, I want my conversations with others to bear witness to Jesus, and I realize that my words matter to this end. So I ask the Holy Spirit to be with me. Every single day. Come, Holy Spirit, I say silently when I walk by a banner in our hallway with those same words. And I trust that Jesus is constantly sending Him to be with me, to give me the right words to share—ones that will bring life (that will bring Him) into my relationships and into the world.
I ask the Holy Spirit to be with me. Every single day.Click to tweet
This quick prayer to the Holy Spirit is powerful and maybe one you don't know already.
Annie Deddens is a writer and producer. She runs a prayer ministry with her husband, called Pray More Novenas. She has a heart for the sick & suffering, and she writes about living with greater faith (hope & love, too) in this imperfect world as a Catholic wife. You can find out more about her here.