Hi all,
I was teaching a class on the Holy Spirit at what was then called the World Prayer Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In that particular lesson, I stated there are no prayers to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. In fact, I said, praying to the Holy Spirit goes directly against Jesus’ teaching on prayer. I brought up the fact all prayers in the New Testament are directed to the Father, not even to Jesus, which is what Jesus taught. Suddenly hands shot into the air and voices were raised as they all objected at once:
“But _____ _____ said in his book….” and “But I was at ____ conference and they said….” and for some, stunned silence.
Finally, someone offered in question: “But you can talk to Him can’t you?”
And that is why in part…
Much of the body of Christ is confused about the Holy Spirit. Teachers and pastors have based their theology more on their experiences or a popular book that has everyone talking instead of the teaching of scripture. They have no idea who He is, what is His role and function, and how we are to fellowship with Him. That confusion then limits how much the Holy Spirit can be in close fellowship with them because their understanding of Him is wrong.
Actually knowing and walking with the Father, Lord, and Holy Spirit is difficult with so many because what they think is God, is really the traditions of men. So they assign their mand-made value to what they think is the Father, Lord, or Spirit and then get frustrated when none of the Godhead draws close to them. They think they are believing correctly but are not. God being God is immovable, 100% Truth, so anyone worshipping the Father must do so in their spirit and truth (transparency, no ulterior motives). Otherwise, God will seem distant and feeling Him inside is like searching for the needle in the haystack.
So let’s lay a foundation to get rid of man’s traditions and error by going right to the Source of sound teaching: Jesus. He is our example so we can rightly ask ourselves if He ever prayed to the Holy Spirit? The answer is no. He prayed exclusively to the Father.
What Jesus said about prayer:
“Therefore pray this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, holy is your name…’ Luke 11:2 (The Lord’s Prayer)
“If you then being evil (mere men) know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father give the
Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11:13
“In that day (after the cross) you will ask Me nothing. Truly, Truly I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give it to you. John 16:23
How Peter, John and the whole church in Acts 4 prayed:
“And being let go they went to their own group and reported all the chief priests and elders had said to them. And when they heard that they lifted up their voices to God with one accord saying: ‘God, you are God, who has made the earth and the sea…against your holy child Jesus…they were gathered togther….now stretch forth your hand to heal and do signs and wonders by the name of your holy child Jesus…” Acts 4:23-30
How Paul prayed:
“…cease not to mention you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him…” Ephesians 1: 16-17
“For this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. That He would grant you to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in your inner man…” Ephesians 3: 14-17
“We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you..” Colossians 1: 3
As Paul said in Ephesians 1:3, it is the Father who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. He is the Source. He is the Father of lights and gives good and perfect gifts.
If up to now your prayer requests start out “Jesus”, then you’ve been in direct disobedience to Jesus and in direct conflict with how the apostles prayed and the New Testament patterns for us. Jesus IS the way, but we pray TO the Father.
Next week, the function of the Father, Spirit, and Son. Until then, blessings!
John Fenn
