Pray for the Holy Spirit – July 29, 2022

[Jesus said] “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:11-13

Pray for the Holy Spirit

Be careful what you pray for!

That’s a common expression. It gives the impression that God may somehow give you something bad just because you prayed for it, that he is waiting to punish you for praying foolishly.

But that’s not how prayer works. God is not like that. If you ask for something bad, he will not give you something bad. And if you ask for something good, he will not give you something bad. God is better than that.

God is your Father in heaven. He wants only the best for you. Since God knows everything, he knows what is best for you. And since he loves you, he has figured out how to give you the best.

What is the best thing you can possibly ask for? The reading for today implies that it is the Holy Spirit. Your Father in heaven uses the Holy Spirit to bring you to faith. He sends the Holy Spirit through his Word to keep you in the faith. The Holy Spirit is known as the Comforter, the one who makes sure you are okay when life is difficult.

So, pray for God to send his Spirit! Then spend time in his Word, the Bible, the tool he uses to send you his Spirit. You can be sure God will give you what you’ve asked for.

Prayer:
Father, send me your Holy Spirit through your word. Amen.