“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
Being filled with the Holy Spirit involves the willingness to obey God’s Word and the strength to yield in its guidance. It also involves discerning what is pleasing in God’s eyes and what is not. If we live each day being led by the Holy Spirit, we will gain wisdom, extend grace, and be able to resist temptations.
However, being filled with the Holy Spirit doesn’t happen overnight. Certain disciplines must be practiced consistently every minute of our lives to be more like Jesus. We are to devote ourselves first to studying His Word, continuing to meet with our spiritual family, serving God, and witnessing for Him.
Pray to meditate on the Word
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
God reveals more of Himself through the Bible. Our knowledge of God can never be deepened just by going to church and praying every night. It is in His Words that we can know more of Him, His Will, and His promises. Knowing Him by His name or how He has answered our prayers is not enough. We have to know Him by heart and be reminded of His promises and commandments. So we must learn to set a time and place where we can meditate on His Word.
Father in Heaven, I pray to be more intentional in getting to know You and Your commandments through meditating on the Word. I want to learn more about what You have done, what You are continuously doing, and what You will do in my life. I want to peacefully and carefully process Your Word without any distractions. Please help me make time for You every day of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray to be involved in a discipleship group
“not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
One of the most joyful parts of serving God is being in a group where you can pray, learn, and share. It is fulfilling to be part of a community that shares the same faith as you. Imagine, you will have a spiritual family that you can pray with, a family that you can share your struggles and victories with, and a community where you will grow as a follower of Christ. It is also in these groups that we learn the importance of putting the interests of others first before ourselves.
Loving God, I thank You for the gift of fellowship with other believers. I thank You that You have provided me with spiritual brothers and sisters that will care for me as You have. I pray that I will be consistently involved in a discipleship group to grow more in faith. I also pray that You will bless me with the right spiritual family who can help me mature spiritually. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray to witness
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
To be filled with the Holy Spirit, we must learn the importance of witnessing for Christ. It is through this that we can share our testimony with non-believers. The early church shared the gospel of Jesus through the way they lived, and we must do the same. We are not called to witness just by words, but most importantly, our repentance and transformation. When we make disciples who will also make disciples, we are responsible for practicing what we preach.
Jesus, thank You that the gospel has reached me because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You because I know that You will also fill my heart with the Holy Spirit’s guidance so I can walk my talk as I witness for You. I want to tell people more about You. Please help me live Your commands so people can see Your work in my life. I thank You, and I bring You back all the glory and praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.