Do you know the name Reginald Heber? My guess is that he isn’t a household name. However, the hymn he wrote for Holy Trinity Sunday in 1826 is known and loved globally, “Holy, Holy, Holy.”
“Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and Mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!”
Over the years my love of the Third Person of the Holy Trinity has increased greatly. It has taken me some time and thought to know how it seems best to approach the glorious Holy Spirit. For reasons I can explain at another time, I don’t feel comfortable praying to the Holy Spirit nor do I think it best to worship the Spirit. My current best thought is that I pray BY the Spirit, TO the Father, THROUGH the Son.
One of the most common results of the Holy Spirit’s ministry is love. Everywhere the Spirit goes, love is magnified.
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5“
In some circles the pressure is on the local Church to make humanity the center of attention. Sing songs people like. Preach sermons that are helpful to people, especially people who are not yet Jesus Followers. Only partly true.
Reginald has a better emphasis, in my opinion. The focal point of every worship service is “God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!” If we are to honor the Blessed Trinity and I don’t worship the Spirit or pray to the Spirit, what then is appropriate?
LOVE!!! Spirit of the Living God I love you! I love your gentle, meek, and gracious Personality. I love knowing that you dwell within me as the deposit guaranteeing my inheritance. I love it when you come upon me with a special anointing. I love your voice. I love your wisdom. I love your gifts. I love the fruit you produce in my life. I love your guidance. I love your nudges. I love your shouts. I love your comfort. I love your peace. I love it when your Presence moves across a congregational worship service. I love a Spirit visited altar time. I love a Spirit anointed sermon, art, and creativity.
I love the Holy Spirit.
“Father God, I pray to you in the name of your Son, Jesus. Please mold my spirit to be like Your Spirit. May my spirit reflect the personality, character, and nature of Your Holy Spirit.” AMEN
I am praying you have a loving Pentecost Sunday.