Communing with the Holy Spirit is of the upmost importance, especially within the times we currently live in. In the book of Acts 17 Paul states, “In Him we live, move, and have our being …”; this is only through the work of the Holy Spirit inside of us shaping and molding us into the image of Jesus Christ.
We are called to walk in fellowship, or communion, with the Holy Spirit by intentionally developing our friendship with Him (2 Cor. 13:14). One way we do this is by speaking to Him as the God who dwells inside us—the indwelling Holy Spirit flows like a river in our heart (John 7:38).
We will walk in the Spirit far more effectively if we regularly talk to the Spirit. Many believers do not talk to the Holy Spirit; they neglect a most precious relationship. He longs for us to talk with Him, but He will not force conversation or friendship on those who are not interested.
When we talk to Him, He will talk back to us. Often when He “talks,” He may not always use words, but will give us impressions and even sensitizing our emotions so we can feel His nearness. God leads us by the still, small voice in our inner man (1 Kgs. 19:11–13). As we engage in a two-way dialogue with the Spirit, it is essential that we quiet our soul (Ps. 131:2). Our soul is by nature active and turbulent, so it takes effort to quiet ourselves.
I purposely and intently try to linger in the Spirit’s presence with my attention turned inwardly toward Him. I slowly and methodically speak short, simple phrases to Him. It is important to wait with a listening heart. Sometimes I will gently sigh as I pray with subtle “groanings that cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26). Sometimes this happens naturally. Sometimes I am totally silent.
There are five phrases I reach to use to build an on-ramp when talking to and fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit. I thank the Holy Spirit for His presence in me and then ask for revelation; I ask Him to use, strengthen, and teach me. I do this by using a five-letter acronym: T-R-U-S-T. Since Holy Spirit is the escort to the deeper things of God, I try to pray through this acronym daily in which I believe will grow every believer in some capacity towards their relationship with Jesus.
Below is the T-R-U-S-T acronym for you to use and apply. Blessings!
T: THANK YOU The first thing we do is turn our attention inward to recognize the Holy Spirit; we simply thank Him for His indwelling presence. I say, “Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your indwelling presence in my inner man.” Take a few minutes to do this and add a few affectionate phrases, like “I love You, Holy Spirit.”
Scripture: “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Cor. 13:14)
Prayer: Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your bright presence in me. I love Your presence. Apart from You, I can do nothing.
R: RELEASE REVELATION
I ask the Holy Spirit to release revelation of God in me; in other words, to give me understanding of God’s heart and Word. By asking for revelation, we prepare our spirits to receive truth from the Lord.
Scripture: “. . . that . . . the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your under- standing being enlightened . . .” (Eph. 1:16–18)
“Give me understanding according to Your word.” (Ps. 119:169)
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I ask You to release revelation of God’s heart and Word to me. I ask that You open my eyes and give me under- standing as I read Your Word.
U: USE ME Paul exhorted us to diligently seek to be used in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will use us more when we simply take time to ask Him to use us.
Scripture: “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all …” (1 Cor. 12:7)
“But earnestly desire the best gifts …” (1 Cor. 12:31)
“Desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy ...” (1 Cor. 14:1)
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I ask You to release Your gifts and power through me to help others. I desire to be a vessel of Your presence to bless others.
S: STRENGTHEN ME The Spirit will strengthen our inner man by touching our mind, emotions, and speech with the might of His presence. We can draw on His strength, which flows like a river of life in us, by asking Him to strengthen us. In addition to this, because the Holy Spirit lives in us, His love, peace, patience, and self-control are already in us. Thus, we can experience more of the power of His love, peace, patience, and self- control by thanking the Holy Spirit that these fruits are already in us by virtue of Him living in us.
Scripture: “. . . that He would grant you . . . to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.” (Eph. 3:16)
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Gal. 5:22–23)
Prayer: Holy Spirit, release divine might to strengthen my mind and emotions. Thank You for the presence of Your love, peace, patience, and self-control in me.
T: TEACH ME The Holy Spirit is the great Teacher and is committed to leading us into God’s will and ways. He will give us wisdom on how to live in every area of life, including how to steward our money, manage our schedule, prosper in our relationships, function in ministry, and walk in purity and health in our physical body. When we ask the Spirit to lead us in these spheres of life, He will show us how-to walk-in godliness and wisdom.
Scripture: “The Holy Spirit . . . will teach you all things.” (John 14:26)
“The Spirit of truth . . . will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13)
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I ask You to lead me in every area of my life. Give me new and creative ideas, order my steps, and open doors for new relationships and new business and ministry opportunities. Teach me how to live in a manner that is pleasing to You and show me how best to walk in Your will, blessing, and prosperity for my life.
