Many believe that living a life deeply connected to the Holy Spirit is reserved for an exclusive group of exceptionally spiritual individuals. Perhaps you, like many, feel knowledgeable about God and devoted to Jesus, yet the concept of being guided by the Holy Spirit seems unattainable. But what if this isn’t the case? What if the feeling of intimidation surrounding the Holy Spirit is a tactic preventing you from experiencing the fullness God intends for you?
Being led by the Holy Spirit is central to the life God has envisioned for each of His children. It’s not exclusive to an elite group of Christians.
The Holy Spirit is the advocate and comforter Jesus promised, the helper who would teach and guide His followers (John 14:16, 26; 16:13). He is also God’s provision for overcoming sin, enabling us to live holy lives. As Paul writes, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh… But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:16, 18, NIV). So, how do you practically How Do You Let The Holy Spirit Guide Your Life?
Understanding “Led by the Spirit”
The phrase “led by the Spirit” is crucial. “Led” implies submission to God’s guidance. Overcoming sin isn’t about personal strength alone.
To truly overcome sin and worldly desires, we must surrender and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. Through this surrender, God transforms us into the likeness of Jesus (Romans 8:29).
So, if God has given us His Spirit to guide us towards holy living and becoming more like Jesus, how do we actively follow that guidance?
It’s essential to remember that God created each of us uniquely. He doesn’t desire an army of robots mechanically following orders. God desires a relationship with us.
The way you experience and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance will be unique to you. However, a common trait among those who learn to hear and follow the Holy Spirit is intentionality. When sailors raise their sails, they harness the wind’s power to propel them forward. For Christians, intentionally engaging in spiritual practices is like raising our sails, becoming receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Practical Spiritual Practices to Raise Your Sail
If you desire to be led by the Holy Spirit in your daily life, work, ministry, family, and relationships, consider incorporating these spiritual practices:
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all method, and what works in one season of life may not in another. Approach these ideas with flexibility. They aren’t tasks to add to an already overwhelming schedule. These are tools to deepen your relationship with God and allow Him to lead.
Jesus invites us to walk with Him, to “learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:29, MSG), “to keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, NIV).
Spiritual practices help us release our attempts at control and allow the Holy Spirit to take the lead.
Listening Prayer – Lectio Divina
Often, our prayers consist of us “talking at” God. However, it’s difficult to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance if we never pause to listen. Lectio Divina, Latin for “divine reading,” provides a way to listen in prayer.
In this ancient method, invite the Holy Spirit to highlight specific words or phrases in a verse or short passage. Read the passage slowly, out loud if possible, multiple times, and note what stands out.
Write the word or phrase in a journal or on a sticky note. Meditate on it, revisiting it throughout the day, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal His message.
Alt: Mother and daughter engaging in artistic expression, fostering creativity and connection with God.
Listening Prayer – Drawing
Even if you don’t consider yourself artistic, drawing can be a powerful way to connect with the Holy Spirit. Trade your pen for colored pencils and, as you read Scripture, draw what stands out to you.
Drawing can unlock a different part of your creativity, helping you move beyond perfectly crafted words. It becomes a secret conversation between you and God, revealing truths you might otherwise miss.
Picturing the Face of the Father
Psalm 34:5 in The Passion Translation says, “Gaze upon him, join your life with his, and joy will come.” Sit quietly, close your eyes, and picture the face of God the Father. Notice what comes to mind. This simple exercise can be a powerful reminder of God’s presence and goodness.
Similarly, after reading a story about Jesus in the Gospels, picture His face. God created our imaginations and can use them to reveal more of Himself to us.
Breath Prayers
A breath prayer involves repeating a word or phrase in a single breath, with one part on the inhale and the other on the exhale. These prayers can be practiced in quiet or busy moments.
They serve as a reminder of God’s presence and help focus on Him. A simple example: Inhale: Abba (or “Father”)… Exhale: I belong to you. Choose words from Scripture or a truth about God that resonates with you. The Holy Spirit can use these prayers in powerful ways.
The Journey, Not the Destination
As you seek to raise your sail and how do you let the holy spirit guide your life, be kind to yourself. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight.
Day after day, year after year, as we learn to tune our hearts and ears to the Holy Spirit, God does a mysterious work within us, transforming us into His likeness.
Ultimately, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your life is about cultivating a relationship with God, being open to His leading, and trusting that He will guide you on the path He has designed specifically for you.
