John 14:25-26 “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Dear God, this thing about the Holy Spirit teaching us is interesting because that sure does depend on our interpretation of whatever He is trying to speak to our hearts. 

I think the frustrating part of practicing my theology is that I KNOW that part of my theology has been influenced by errant teaching that has worked its way into Christendom over the last 2,000 years. The problem is that I don’t know which part is wrong. Then there are the influences that humankind’s “wisdom” has over my theology. To be sure, I’ve changed my mind on some things over the last 30 years. Was it the Holy Spirit who changed my mind, or was it the influence of society? Even in my church life, have I fallen victim to bad teaching at any point along the way?

Holy Spirit, be my counselor. Be my teacher. Find a way through the noise and speak to me in a still small voice. But in those quiet times, protect me from my own thoughts and my own rationale and wisdom. Just because I hear something in my silence doesn’t mean it’s from you. Help me to be discerning and hear only your voice. 

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen