There is a relationship between believers and the Holy Spirit that is precious. Something we don't think about a lot is that the Holy Spirit is deeply in love with us. He wants to reveal Himself to us, but when we act independently from God's principles, we grieve the Holy Spirit. If we deliberately do something wrong, we drag Him into the mire of sin with us. We need to be aware that the Holy Spirit lives in us and honor Him by confessing our sin and receive cleansing by the blood of Jesus so our fellowship will be restored with the Spirit of God.
Prayer Tip #30 - Grieving the Holy Spirit Hinders Prayers
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." - Ephesians 4:30
The answers to our prayers can be blocked by continuing a lifestyle of habitual sin. A good way to begin our day is to ask the Lord to reveal to us if there is any sin in our life that we are participating in that is grieving the Holy Spirit. There is a list of "works of the flesh" in Galatians 5:19. Here are some items for us to look over and examine ourselves to see if we are grieving the Holy Spirit. The sinful hindrances are: fornication, idolatry, hatred, contentions, jealousies, and outbursts of anger. Keep in mind that these sins can be actions and/or consuming thoughts. All are necessary to confess and forsake. God is always faithful to forgive and let us start with a clean slate for the day.
Prayer Points- (Pray over these requests)
Dear Father, thank You for being gracious to remind us to not grieve Your Holy Spirit.
Lord, I confess that I am not always as aware of grieving the Holy Spirit as I should be, please raise my awareness of this sin.
I ask that I would develop a guard over the words of my mouth that are not pleasing to You.
May Your Holy Spirit guide me that would I increase in walking in the Spirit and not block the answers to my prayers with sin.
SUGGESTED PRAYER-
Dear Lord, thank You for the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us. I confess the times that I have sinned and grieved the Holy Spirit that lives within me. May I stay in the truth of Your Word so I would develop a spiritual sensitivity to when I grieve the Spirit of God. Help me to be more aware of the words I speak that are not edifying the hearer. I know that it says in Psalm 66:18, "If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me." My desire is to serve You and pray prayers that are effective. Thank You for the gift of prayer in my life.
In Jesus' Name, Amen