Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:The concept of praying for the Comforter, also known as the Holy Spirit, to come is deeply rooted in Christian theology and practice. This prayer reflects a desire for divine presence, guidance, and empowerment, as promised by Jesus Christ to His followers. The Holy Spirit, often referred to as the Comforter or Advocate, plays a crucial role in the life of believers, providing spiritual support and leading them into all truth.
Biblical Foundation:The promise of the Holy Spirit is prominently featured in the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Jesus assures His disciples of the coming of the Comforter. He states, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" (
John 14:16-17). This promise is reiterated in
John 16:7, where Jesus emphasizes the necessity of His departure for the Comforter to come: "But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you."
Role of the Holy Spirit:The Holy Spirit's role as the Comforter encompasses several functions. He is a source of comfort, guidance, and conviction. The Spirit empowers believers to live according to God's will, equips them with spiritual gifts, and intercedes on their behalf.
Romans 8:26-27 highlights the intercessory role of the Spirit: "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words."
Prayer for the Holy Spirit:Praying for the Holy Spirit to come is an act of faith and submission to God's will. It is a recognition of the believer's dependence on divine assistance for spiritual growth and understanding. Such prayers often seek the Spirit's presence for comfort in times of distress, wisdom in decision-making, and strength in overcoming challenges.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to pray for the Holy Spirit's presence in their lives regularly. This can be done through personal prayer, communal worship, and meditation on Scripture. The early church serves as a model for this practice, as seen in
Acts 1:14, where the disciples "all joined together constantly in prayer" as they awaited the promised Spirit.
Conclusion:The prayer for the Comforter to come is a vital aspect of Christian spirituality. It reflects a longing for a deeper relationship with God and a reliance on His Spirit for guidance and strength. As believers continue to seek the Holy Spirit, they are assured of His abiding presence and transformative power in their lives, fulfilling the promise of Jesus to be with them always.
Nave's Topical Index
John 14:16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Holy Spirit and Prayer
... 14:16, where Jesus engages to pray the Father to send another Comforter, who would ...
and be in them, that this is not a prayer that the Holy Spirit might do ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xiii the holy spirit and.htm
Of Prayer in the Name of Christ. He Promises the Spirit of Truth ...
... Of Prayer in the Name of Christ ... pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he ... of his truth, and because union with the Holy Spirit can only ...
/.../section 274 of prayer in.htm
The Holy Spirit and the World.
... not understand him, but when the Comforter was come ... sojourn approached that he directed
prayer in his ... they were baptized with the Holy Spirit, Pentecost, and ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm
The Work of the Holy Spirit
... XXII. Love and the Comforter. XXIII. The Greatest of These Is Love. XXIV. ... XXXVII.
The Sin Against the Holy Ghost. XXXVIII. ... Third Chapter. PRAYER. XXXIX. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
... the same thought in his prophetic prayer: "Would God that ... the still future coming
of the Holy Spirit: "I will ... and He shall give you another Comforter, that He ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiv the outpouring of the.htm
The Prayer of the Regenerated.
... when we have made some progress in the school of prayer, then He ... in truth, it needed
the inward support which the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, offered them. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xlii the prayer of the.htm
The Distinction of the Holy Spirit from the Father and from his ...
... Person, another Comforter, in answer to the prayer of the ... goes away to the Father
and the Holy Spirit who comes ... for if I go not away, the Comforter will not ...
/.../the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter iii the distinction of.htm
Modern Revivals.
... pupils, and how can they instil into them a spirit of prayer? ... as far as His visible
presence was concerned, the divine Comforter, the Holy Spirit, was to ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xxiv modern revivals.htm
The Gift of the Spirit
... the times when, in answer to the prayer of faith ... tells us that the Spirit is the
Comforter, "the Spirit ... The office of the Holy Spirit is distinctly specified in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 5 the gift of.htm
The Spirit of Prayer.
... You live in such a manner that this Holy Comforter will not dwell with you, nor
give you the spirit of prayer. If this is so, you must repent. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture vi the spirit of.htm
Resources
What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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