Befriending the Holy Spirit

 Bonnie Drury finds a new friend when she least expects it.

I’ve always believed in the Holy Trinity, but ignored the Third Person, the Holy Spirit. The Church teaches that He is the Heart of the Trinity, an embodiment of the love between Father and Son.

I started to think about the Holy Spirit more when I encountered Him in Adoration. I’d ask Him to help me listen to Our Lord. But still, I didn’t fully comprehend that He was my friend, and so willing to guide me.

Everyday Guidance

One day I decided to give away downloads of my book, Sundown. This is the diary I kept while caring for my elderly mother through a dementia that was beyond my abilities. I thought that maybe it could help others in the same boat. Amazon allows authors to give away a book for seven days.

When I checked it out online, I discovered that I’d accidentally archived the book and would have to republish it before I could set it up as a giveaway. The technology and the publishing program simply weren’t working, nor did I have the skills to figure it out. I followed the instructions seven times, each attempt ending in frustrated defeat.

At my wit’s end, I prayed, “Holy Spirit, I’m not doing this for money, but to reach out to those who are going through a similar anguish. Would you please help me?”

I went to the computer, and after a few keystrokes, I clicked on the Publish button and set up the book as a free download. I have no idea what steps I took; I just know that the Holy Spirit answered my plea. I will never again leave Him in the shadows of my faith. I’m not saying that the Holy Spirit is just a handyman at our beck and call, but He is a strong advocate for our peace of mind.

The Seven Gifts

We receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit when we are infused with sanctifying grace, for example, when we receive a Sacrament worthily. As outlined in Isaiah 11:2-3, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and the fear of God.

The Holy Spirit’s main goal is to reveal Jesus to us.

“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.” (John 15:26)

The Holy Spirit was there from the beginning.

A mighty wind sweeping over the waters — Then God said: Let there be light, and there was light. (Genesis 1:2b-3)

How do we know when the Holy Spirit is speaking to us?

According to the Church, He has a gentle voice and is always aligned with Scripture. The Holy Spirit can give us a sense of peace and surety in our decisions. He will always glorify Jesus. If the Holy Spirit is working within us, we will see His qualities growing in our lives, including love, peace, kindness and self-control. All we have to do is be open to His presence.

Now, when I go to doctor appointments, I ask the Holy Spirit to accompany me. When my youngest grandchild went away for a week on a field trip with her 6th grade class, I asked the Holy Spirit to go with her. My couch-potato granddaughter was proud of the five-mile hike she finished. I ask the Holy Spirit to attend all our family gatherings, bringing His peace with Him.

When my husband was in the hospital recently, I asked the Holy Spirit to watch over him. Not only was he able to come home after three days, he helped his roomie overcome his depression as they laughed a lot together.

He is our friend, protector, and guide. He has our best interests at heart. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need help. The Holy Spirit is there, waiting.

“Not by might, and not by power, but by my spirit," says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

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Copyright 2026 Bonnie Drury
Images: Canva