The Advocate
Seeking and understanding the empowering presence of God; the Holy Spirit.
Community Practices
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Preparation
Take turns having one person in the community commit to bringing bread and grape juice to share for communion on a given week. If you’re going for authenticity, use matzo (unleavened) bread. But really, any bread that everyone enjoys will do. Your first couple of times taking communion together in community, watch this video together before you take the bread and the cup.
Gather together as a community for dinner as usual, with the bread and the cup on the table alongside the evening meal. Have someone from your community volunteer to lead.
CommunionTo begin the evening meal, the leader will invite everyone to take a piece of bread and a glass of grape juice and will choose one of the following Scriptures to read:
Matthew 26:26–28
Mark 14:22–24
Luke 22:19–20
1 Corinthians 11:23–26
After reading one of the Scriptures, the leader will pray, giving thanks for the body and blood of Jesus. The leader might have everyone take each element individually, reciting the sacramental phrases, “ this is the body of Christ broken for you," and, "this is the blood of Christ shed for you,” before each element. Or, the leader might simply give thanks, then invite the group to eat and drink. With the sacrifice of Jesus in mind, everyone takes the bread and the cup, and then the community meal begins!
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Pray
Gather together as a community in a comfortable setting, then have one person read Genesis 1:1-2 and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time.
Recap
Since the beginning, the Spirit of God has been active and moving, within the Trinity itself and within all of God’s good creation. In the opening lines of Genesis, the Holy Spirit hovers over the waters as God speaks his word of order and love into the darkness and chaos. Even in the void, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God bring life.
It’s no wonder that John begins his biography of Jesus by echoing the words of Genesis, “In the beginning was the word.” It’s the eternal dance of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and their love that brings about new creation, which is so beautifully pictured at the baptism of Jesus. As he is immersed in the waters, the Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove and the voice of the Father speaks from the heavens, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17).
It is in Jesus that all the promises of the Scriptures find their fulfillment. The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of a day when the Spirit of God would be poured out on all people, like water on a dry and thirsty land, with transformative power. And this was the invitation of Jesus, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37-38). John goes on to explain that Jesus is speaking of the Holy Spirit, who is the water that will be poured out on all believers!
And so the invitation remains open. Those who are spiritually thirsty are called to come to Jesus, to experience ongoing relationship, renewal, and empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
Discuss
Discuss the following prompts as a group.
What stood out to you from the most recent teaching? What has God been doing in your life because of it?
In John 20, why do you think Jesus connects his mission (“as the Father has sent me”) with the gift of the Holy Spirit? What does that reveal about how we’re meant to live?
Jesus said the Holy Spirit is “living water” that satisfies spiritual thirst. Where do you currently feel most “thirsty” in your life?
Do you think that it is difficult to follow the way of Jesus with willpower alone? What might it look like to rely more on the Holy Spirit in everyday life?
The teaching from Sunday said the church should be a place of both Scripture and Spirit (thinking and experiencing). Which side do you naturally lean toward, and how could you grow toward a healthier balance?
Practice
This week, practice intentionally making space to relate to the Holy Spirit as a present, personal guide, not just an idea.
1. Be Still (Silence - 2-3 minutes)
Sit quietly and slow your breathing. Simply become aware of God’s presence.
Pray, “Holy Spirit, you are here. I’m listening.”
2. Receive the Word (Scripture - 5 minutes)
Read John 20:19-22 or John 7:37-39 slowly. Notice a word or phrase that stands out to you. Read it again and let it sink in.
3. Respond Honestly (Prayer - 5-7 minutes)
Talk to the Holy Spirit about where you feel “thirsty” (such as areas of fatigue, frustration, or longing).
Pray, “Holy Spirit, fill me, lead me, and empower me to live like Jesus today.”
4. Listen and Notice (Discernment - 3-5 minutes)
Sit quietly again. Pay attention to any thoughts, nudges, or convictions that align with Jesus’s character and Scripture. Write down anything that stands out.
5. Take One Step (Obedience - throughout the day)
Act on one small prompting during the day (encourage someone, forgive, pray for someone, step out in courage, etc.).
Close your time with the simple prayer, “Come, Holy Spirit. I want more of you.”
Be ready to share about your experience the next time your community gathers together.
Pray
End by having someone read Acts 2:17-18 as a prayer over the group.
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Pray
Gather together as a community in a comfortable setting, then have one person read 1 Corinthians 12:7 and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time.
Recap
A foundational belief for Christians is a concept that sometimes feels difficult to wrap our minds around: Jesus was both fully God and fully human. The author of Hebrews said Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” But does that mean it was simply Jesus’s “God-ness” that allowed him to perform so many miraculous things? The Scriptures actually speak about this, too.
Paul wrote in Philippians that though Jesus was God in his very nature, he didn’t use this fact for his own advantage. Rather, “he made himself nothing” by becoming human. The reality is that Jesus did his works not by using some innate, divine ability, but through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit! Which is good news for followers of Jesus, because the same Spirit at work in him is available to all of us. And as we grow in holiness, faith, and intimacy with God, we become more open to the Spirit’s power and activity in our lives.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul described many of the things the Spirit does; manifestations available to all believers for the common good. Things like words of wisdom and knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, discernment, tongues, and prophecy. But these are not spiritual status markers, or gifts on offer to only a few select individuals. Instead, they are ways the Spirit reveals God’s presence through ordinary people.
And Paul puts special emphasis on prophecy, which he says believers should eagerly desire. But he doesn’t frame prophecy as prediction. Instead, he says it’s Spirit-led revelation that strengthens, encourages, and comforts others. It’s something that requires humility, discernment, and testing in community. And as followers of Jesus, we are invited to move beyond skepticism or passive faith and to actively desire the fullness of the Spirit’s work, trusting that the empowering life of Jesus remains open to us today.
Discuss
Discuss the following prompts as a group.
What stood out to you from the most recent teaching? What has God been doing in your life because of it?
Jesus lived and ministered through the power of the Holy Spirit and he invites his followers into that same life. How does that challenge or expand your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus?
Paul describes things like wisdom, healing, discernment, and prophecy as ways the Spirit works through all believers for the common good. Which of these feels intriguing, unfamiliar, or difficult for you, and why?
Prophecy is meant for strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. Have you ever experienced someone speaking a timely word that built you up, or sensed God prompting you to encourage someone else? What might it look like to grow in listening and responding to the Spirit?
Practice
This week’s practice is centered around listening prayer for the purpose of encouraging others. Set aside 10-15 minutes three times this week to do the following:
(Silence)
Begin by sitting quietly before God in silence for 2-3 minutes, simply praying, “Holy Spirit, I am listening.” Any time you feel a sense of distraction, notice it and then gently return your attention to Jesus.
(Scripture Reading)
Next, slowly read 1 Corinthians 14:3 -
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
(Listening Prayer)
Then, ask the Holy Spirit, “Who in my life might need strengthening, encouraging, or comfort today?” Wait and listen.
If someone comes to mind, hold that person in your thoughts and ask the Holy Spirit, “Is there anything you want me to share with them?” Pay attention to any Scripture, image, phrase, memory, or simple impression that comes to mind. Write it down, then test it by considering these things: Does it align with the way of Jesus found in the Scriptures? Does it strengthen, encourage, or comfort?
(Encourage)
If the thing that comes to mind seems loving and fitting, share it humbly with that person (a text, a note, or a conversation are all great ways). Use language like, “I had you on my heart and wanted to encourage you with this,” or, “I may be wrong, but I have a sense that God wants me to share this with you,” rather than claiming certainty.
(Reflection)
End by journaling what happened. What did you sense? What felt unclear? What did you learn about listening to God? Treat this as practice, offered with humility, courage, and love.
Be ready to share about your experience the next time your community gathers together.
Pray
To end your time, read 1 Corinthians 14:1-3 as a group and then have someone close in prayer.
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Pray
Gather together as a community in a comfortable setting, then have one person read Acts 2:1-4 and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time.
Recap
Throughout the New Testament, the Holy Spirit takes a prominent place, showing up and working in many ways. But not everything he does is easy for us to grasp or understand right away. Two often misunderstood works of the Holy Spirit are speaking in tongues and healing, both of which can feel mysterious or confusing. Are they things all followers of Jesus should do? And if so, how do we actually do them?
When it comes to tongues, it’s important to remember that they are not chaotic or performative. Instead, we can think of tongues as Spirit-empowered prayer in a language unknown to the speaker. Sometimes the language is understood by others (as in Acts 2), and sometimes it’s not (like when Paul describes them in 1 Corinthians 14). But, in both cases, it fosters intimacy with God and builds up the individual. Which is very valuable! The practice of speaking in tongues is simple and participatory, not forced or ecstatic. It’s more like a spontaneous, Spirit-led expression of prayer and worship, not a loss of control.
Healing can also be framed in a simple light. It’s about God restoring wholeness, whether that’s physically, emotionally, spiritually, or relationally. And wholeness is a central sign of God’s arriving Kingdom. The New Testament consistently presents healing as part of how the Gospel advances, as the good news of Jesus is shared and people are given a glimpse of the renewal of all things and resurrection life. Practically speaking, when it comes to practicing healing, believers are encouraged to assess the needs of a person, listen to the Spirit on their behalf, pray simply and directly for them, and then trust God with the outcome.
But, we have to acknowledge that both genuine healing and unanswered prayers happen. We know from the teachings of Jesus and from the Scriptures that God desires restoration for his people, but we also see that outcomes vary in a broken world. So, we are asked to hold things with an open hand, while still being invited into experiencing both tongues and healing. Not as ends in themselves, but as invitations to deeper intimacy with God, and a taste of his coming Kingdom.
Discuss
Discuss the following prompts as a group.
What stood out to you from the most recent teaching? What has God been doing in your life because of it?
What has shaped your perception of speaking in tongues or healing (personal experience, church background, skepticism, etc.) and how does the teaching from Sunday challenge or affirm that?
We can think of speaking in tongues as a simple, participatory form of prayer, rather than something forced or extreme. How does that change (or not change) your openness to it?
When it comes to healing, how do you process the tension between stories of real healing and moments when healing doesn’t happen? What does it look like to remain faithful and hopeful in both situations?
Practice
This week, said aside time to do the following as a simple, daily practice (10–15 minutes)
1. Settle in silence (2-3 minutes)
Sit quietly and become aware of God’s presence with you. Take a few slow breaths. Pray a simple prayer like, “Holy Spirit, I’m here and I’m listening.”
2. Read and reflect (3-4 minutes)
Read these two short passages: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Romans 8:26-27. Pay attention to what stands out, whether a word, phrase, or idea.
Ask, “God, what might you be drawing my attention to?”
3. Listening prayer (3-4 minutes)
Bring a simple question to God, like, “Is there something you want to say to me today?” or, “Who might you want me to encourage or pray for?”
Notice what comes to mind (thoughts, impressions, names, images, etc.). Don’t force it, and don’t overthink it. Just receive from the Holy Spirit and write down anything that comes to mind.
4. Go beyond words (2-3 minutes)
If you feel comfortable, try praying without carefully choosing your words.
You might speak simple, spontaneous phrases of praise or sit in quiet groaning or wordless prayer. Or, you could gently experiment with vocalizing sounds as they come, remembering that this is not about pressure or performance.
The goal isn’t to “get it right,” but to let your prayer move beyond control and into trust.
5. Pray for healing (1-2 minutes)
Next, think of a specific healing need, whether for yourself or someone else. Pray simply and directly, “God, bring healing here.” If you’re praying on behalf of someone else, and if it’s appropriate, follow up later and ask if anything has changed or been impacted.
At the end of the week, take a few minutes to reflect, asking yourself:
When did you feel most aware of God’s presence?
What felt natural? What felt uncomfortable?
Did anything surprise you?
Remember, this isn’t about producing results, it’s about making space for the Holy Spirit and growing in intimacy with God. Over time, you may find that your awareness of God’s voice and presence becomes more familiar, personal, and real.
Be ready to share about your experience the next time your community gathers together.
Pray
To end your time, read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 as a group and then have someone close in prayer.
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Pray
Gather together as a community in a comfortable setting, then have one person read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time.
Recap
During this teaching series, we’ve been exploring the things that the Holy Spirit does in the lives of those who follow Jesus. Whether it’s through miracles, tongues, healing, words of knowledge, or something similar, the Spirit is a person who wants to communicate to us and minister to us the very presence of God! And part of this includes God communicating to us through the power of his Spirit for the sake of our strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. We call this communication prophecy, and God can speak to us for our own benefit, or for the benefit of those around us.
When we or someone we know needs discernment, God promises to give wisdom to those who ask in faith (James 1:5). When we are weary or discouraged, Jesus invites us to come to him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30), and the Spirit comforts and strengthens us (John 14:26-27). Even in seasons when God feels silent, the Bible reminds us that God is still present and working. Many Psalms give voice to waiting, longing, and honest prayer, and Isaiah 30:21 reminds us that God still guides his people: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Learning to hear from God often begins not with dramatic moments, but with a posture of attentiveness, trust, prayer, and faithful obedience in everyday life.
Discuss
Discuss the following prompts as a group.
This past Sunday, we set aside time to practice prophecy, or hearing from the Spirit of God in order to be strengthened, encouraged, and comforted. If you were in the gathering, what was that experience like for you?
When you think about needing discernment, encouragement, or rest, which of those feels easiest for you to bring before God and which feels hardest? Why do you think that is?
What practices or postures help you become more attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit in everyday life, especially in seasons when God feels quiet or distant?
Was there anything you felt the Spirit saying to you during the Sunday gathering that you found difficult to act on or share with someone? Why do you think that is? (*If there is anything you felt the Spirit asking you to communicate to another person that you didn’t follow through on, take this as an opportunity to share that conviction with your community and ask them to hold you accountable as you seek to obey the Spirit’s prompting.)
Practice
This week, create a small rhythm of listening prayer each day, not to force an experience with God, but to become available to his presence and voice. Set aside 10-15 minutes in a quiet place. Bring a journal, your Bible, and a posture of openness.
1. Begin with Stillness
Sit quietly for a minute or two. Breathe slowly. Pray: “Holy Spirit, I am listening. Speak what you want to say.”
You do not need to strive or manufacture anything. Simply become attentive.
2. Read a Short Scripture
Choose one short passage each day that reminds you God still speaks and leads:
John 10:27
Psalm 23
Isaiah 30:21
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 8:14-16
Read slowly two or three times. Pay attention to any word, phrase, or image that stands out.
3. Listen in One of These Three Areas
When You Need Direction
Ask, “Jesus, what is the next faithful step?”
Don’t look for a full blueprint. Listen for simple nudges toward wisdom, peace, honesty, courage, or obedience.
When You Need Encouragement or Rest
Ask, “Holy Spirit, what do you want me to receive from you today?”
Pay attention to comfort, reassurance, conviction without shame, or reminders of God’s love and nearness.
When God Feels Silent
Ask honestly, “God, where have you been inviting me to notice you?”
Instead of chasing dramatic answers, look for small signs of presence: peace, Scripture, memory, gratitude, conviction, or longing itself.
4. Write Down What You Notice
Journal briefly:
What stood out?
What did you sense?
What kind of invitation might God be offering?
Keep it simple and unforced.
5. End with Trust
Close by praying, “Holy Spirit, help me respond faithfully to whatever you are saying, even in small ways.”
Be ready to share about your experience the next time your community gathers together.
Pray
To end your time, read 1 Corinthians 14:3-4 as a group and then have someone close in prayer.
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Pray
Gather together as a community in a comfortable setting, then have one person read Matthew 4:23 and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time.
Recap
Throughout the Scriptures, we see that God’s desire is to make people whole. Whether it’s emotionally, spiritually, or physically, God desires that his people will experience the true life that he created them for. During his ministry on earth, Jesus consistently moved toward hurting people with compassion. He healed bodies, restored souls, and freed people spiritually. He spoke forgiveness over them and invited people into his Kingdom. And God still meets people in all those same places and ways today.
Emotionally, God heals wounded hearts and comes alongside us to carry our grief. The Bible reminds us that he is “close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18) and that he brings peace into our anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7). Spiritually, God heals the deepest separation in us through forgiveness, freedom, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In Christ, we are made new and invited into restored relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:1-2). Physically, Scripture shows Jesus healing sickness, pain, and disease as a sign of God’s kingdom breaking into the world (Matthew 4:23, James 5:14-16).
While healing does not always happen instantly or in the ways we expect, God’s heart is to move us toward restoration. He desires to bring wholeness to every part of our lives as we trust him and walk with him daily.
Discuss
Discuss the following prompts as a group.
During this past Sunday’s gathering, we set aside time to listen to the Holy Spirit and made space for him to bring healing and wholeness to people (emotionally, spiritually, and physically). If you were in the gathering, what was that experience like for you?
Part of practicing healing is making space to listen to the Holy Spirit. What makes it difficult to slow down, listen, and become attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit? Are there any spiritual practices that help you become more aware of God’s presence and voice?
Have you ever experienced God bringing healing, encouragement, or peace to you through another person? How might the Holy Spirit want to use you to bring wholeness to someone around you this week?
Which area of healing feels most needed in your life right now (emotional, spiritual, or physical) and why? How might the Holy Spirit want to meet you there?
Practice
This week, practice creating intentional space to listen to the Holy Spirit for healing and wholeness through the steps below. Set aside 15-20 minutes each day to slow down and become attentive to God.
Begin in Silence
Take a few deep breaths and pray, “Holy Spirit, where do you want to bring healing and wholeness today?” Sit quietly for a few moments, resisting the urge to rush. As thoughts, emotions, or people come to mind, pay attention prayerfully. Take notes in a journal if this is helpful.
Read Scripture
Read a short passage of Scripture slowly, such as Psalm 147:1-3, Isaiah 53:4-5, Mark 1:29-34, or James 5:13-16. Ask God what he wants you to notice, taking notes as you go.
Honestly Confess
Next, honestly bring emotional wounds, spiritual struggles, sins, fears, or physical pain into God’s presence. As you do this, ask God that you would be able to receive his grace and that he would move you towards the wholeness he desires for you.
Pray for Others
Ask the Holy Spirit if there is someone who needs encouragement, prayer, comfort, or care. When someone comes to mind, pray for them.
After you lift that person in prayer, ask God if there are any next steps you can take. He may prompt you to send a message, pray with someone in person, offer practical help, or simply listen well to someone. Healing often begins with ordinary acts of faithful presence.
Reflect
End each day with reflection. Where did you notice God bringing peace, freedom, comfort, conviction, or restoration? Give thanks for even small signs of his healing work in you and around you.
Be ready to share about your experience the next time your community gathers together.
Pray
To end your time, read James 5:13-16 as a group and then have someone close in prayer.
