Cultivating a life in the spirit

When someone gives their life to Jesus, they receive a precious gift: the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). This gift is not merely symbolic; the Spirit is a Person who dwells within and surrounds the believer. Just as someone can be part of a family while remaining uniquely themselves, so it is with the Spirit. He is close, personal, and desiring relationship. He is someone we can talk to, just like a friend.

Building a relationship with the Holy Spirit is essential for anyone who wants to grow in Christ. Like all meaningful relationships, it requires intentionality—time, attention, and care. One of the clearest invitations Jesus gives us is found in John 15:9: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” This abiding—this continual remaining in God's love—is only possible through a life lived in and with the Spirit.

But how does one cultivate this kind of life?

Speak with the Holy Spirit

The first step is to begin speaking to the Spirit directly, just as we might speak to Jesus or the Father. The Holy Spirit is not a force or concept but a Person who reveals what’s truly going on inside us and connects us deeply to Jesus and the Father and to our own heart (This is the beauty of the trinity: Talking to either one, we are connected to the One). Start simply—acknowledge His presence throughout your day. Talk to Him about your emotions, your decisions, even the mundane aspects of life. If something upsets you, tell Him. If you’re unsure what to wear or how to spend your time, ask Him. This transforms scattered thoughts into meaningful dialogue, anchoring our hearts in God’s presence.

Gratitude plays a vital role here. As Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us, presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving guards our hearts and minds with divine peace. Regular gratitude directed towards God is not only spiritual protection; it’s a way of turning every moment into worship, a way of learning to live for God in everything we do and being content in it all.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Desire and Practice the Gift of Tongues

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14 that speaking in tongues is a way to speak directly to God and to edify oneself. It’s a spiritual language—a heart-to-heart connection that bypasses our understanding. This gift is something we should desire. Once received, let us use it starting by praying in tongues during moments that require little mental effort—while cleaning, walking, or commuting. Over time, it can become ceaseless. It’s a way to stay tuned to the Spirit when words fall short and emotions feel overwhelming, so it reconnects us with the Father’s heart, renews our strength, and gives peace.

“For anyone who speaks in a tongue a does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:2-4)

Additionally, when we pray in the Spirit, we can be confident that we are praying according to God’s will, trusting that He will answer according to what we truly need.

“If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”  (1 John 5:14–15)

Engage the Word of God Prayerfully

Reading Scripture is not a passive act. We have to approach the Bible with prayer, asking the Spirit to guide and illuminate. We can speak short prayers, repeat key verses, and linger over words that strike our hearts. We should also meditate—letting the text form images in our mind, writing in a journal, or even drawing. There are no limits to creatively and attentively engaging. This is how we will more likely remember the words spoken.

Meditation on Scripture, day and night, is a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition. Psalm 1 and Joshua 1:9 both highlight the fruitfulness that comes from such focused engagement. Using a journal to record what the Lord highlights and returning to it often is very helpful. And even when our thoughts seem ordinary, the Spirit is at work.

Also, let us not underestimate the power of music. Singing and listening to worship music helps embed truth in the heart. Music has a way of piercing through distraction and anchoring us in the presence of God.

“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 1:9)

Step Out in Faith and Practice Listening

Cultivating a life in the Spirit means learning to listen—and to respond. This requires practice. We can start by creating space to listen to God with trusted friends. The more we practice hearing His voice, the more we’ll recognize it in our busy daily lives. These small steps of obedience and attentiveness create space for the Spirit to move—not just in personal growth but in ministering to others.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Extend Grace to Yourself

This journey of abiding is not about striving or perfection. There will be moments when we forget to stay connected, when our attention drifts. But we cannot let shame or discouragement weigh us down. The simplicity of abiding is that when we remember, we return to picking up where we left off. God is not counting your missteps; He delights in our desire for Him, no matter how small it may seem.

Song of Solomon 4:10 speaks of God’s delight in us: “How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine...” This is how God feels about even the smallest act of love and connection toward Him.

Grace to Abide

At the beginning and end of each day, ask the Father for grace to abide in His presence. We truly can do nothing apart from Him, and no good thing can be found outside of Him (Psalm 16:2). But with Him, even the simplest tasks are infused with joy, peace, and love.

You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing. (Psalm 16:2)

May we be drawn ever deeper into the love of Christ. May our eyes and ears remain open to the Spirit’s invitation. And may we learn—step by step, moment by moment—to abide in the presence of the One who delights in us.