He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

– Mark 14:37-38

What a wonderful gift that the Holy Spirit, who Jesus refers to as Counselor or Helper, lives in each of us! The question is...are we always led by this gift or do we fall prey to human nature? I know that I often let myself down by choosing the later. My vice is impatience. The “Spirit of truth” is constantly reminding me through that little voice in my head and my children’s response to my actions that patience is the road to choose but sadly, I don’t always listen. If not for prayer and the Holy Spirit, my level of impatience would go completely unchecked and I can only imagine the results. Fortunately, each time I pray and ask my Helper for support to keep me calm, I am gently nudged back on track. What is your vice? What do you need to pray about such that the Holy Spirit can help guide you in the right direction? “The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.” We can’t do it alone. We are too weak without the support and guidance of our Counselor. We need to tap into the ever-present Holy Spirit through devotion and prayer to help us follow Christ’s example.

PRAYER:

Dear God, Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and actions. I know human nature alone will fail me without your love and support to keep me on track. Help me to listen intently to the will of my Counselor to guide me away from my vice and toward your Glory. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

– Michele Burgess