This is my first post and attempt at this forum stuff... I start with a question... Who do we pray to and relate to? God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit?
Who do we pray to? Have a relationship with?
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AngelAmidala
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I would say all of the above, because no matter which one you address in your prayer, they're all the same. 
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I believe God is God, God is Jesus, and God is the Holy Spirit.
What's confusing to me is John 14:6 which says that no one can come to the Father except through [Jesus]. Why do we have to go through God to get to God?
What's confusing to me is John 14:6 which says that no one can come to the Father except through [Jesus]. Why do we have to go through God to get to God?
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Jesus taught us to pray to Our Father, so that we wouldn't err by praying directly to the Son or the Spirit. The purpose of John 14:6 is to teach us that Jesus is our only true companion on our journey to the Father. It is fitting that the Christ taught us this prayer. Every time we say it, we fulfill God the Father's purpose in sending us the Son to redeem us, by the power of the Spirit.
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Thanks for the responses.
I had someone say once that they need to spend time with the Holy Spirit too and not just Jesus. That really confused me. Also, we were doing a skit that said you must give your heart to God and they corrected me and said that you must give your heart to Jesus - not to God.
I'm still trying to understand. From my study, it looks like God played three different roles in history (i'm probably oversimplifying it). If God came to earth in the form of a man and his name was Jesus, then Jesus was God in a fleshly body. In the old testament, it seems that God played more of a role through his own name, God, because you don't see the Holy Spirit or Jesus' name mentioned much (or at least that I can see). Right now, it seems that God is serving a role through his Spirit here on earth since Jesus said He must go so the comforter could come. They are all three God but they seemed to have different times they were playing the major role.
Do we have the relationship with the Holy Spirit since He resides in us and is playing the major role today to help us relate to Jesus and to enable us to understand the Word and what he's done for us? Then by having a relationship with Jesus we can relate to the Father? Once we have access to the Father, no need not go any further. Are the roles more or less ways God has made himself available to allow man to access His throne with the imperfect world and body we are in?
It seems that God had to play these roles to meet us where we were at but it seems confusing when you think that these are all the same (like you have to go to God to get to God).
I'm not convinced of my own theory and not sure I quite understand. I'm hoping someone would help bring light on this situation.
I had someone say once that they need to spend time with the Holy Spirit too and not just Jesus. That really confused me. Also, we were doing a skit that said you must give your heart to God and they corrected me and said that you must give your heart to Jesus - not to God.
I'm still trying to understand. From my study, it looks like God played three different roles in history (i'm probably oversimplifying it). If God came to earth in the form of a man and his name was Jesus, then Jesus was God in a fleshly body. In the old testament, it seems that God played more of a role through his own name, God, because you don't see the Holy Spirit or Jesus' name mentioned much (or at least that I can see). Right now, it seems that God is serving a role through his Spirit here on earth since Jesus said He must go so the comforter could come. They are all three God but they seemed to have different times they were playing the major role.
Do we have the relationship with the Holy Spirit since He resides in us and is playing the major role today to help us relate to Jesus and to enable us to understand the Word and what he's done for us? Then by having a relationship with Jesus we can relate to the Father? Once we have access to the Father, no need not go any further. Are the roles more or less ways God has made himself available to allow man to access His throne with the imperfect world and body we are in?
It seems that God had to play these roles to meet us where we were at but it seems confusing when you think that these are all the same (like you have to go to God to get to God).
I'm not convinced of my own theory and not sure I quite understand. I'm hoping someone would help bring light on this situation.
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Give your soul to God, your mind to Christ, & your body to the Spirit. Our Father will protect you, Jesus will teach you, & the Spirit will renew you. Worship, Learn & Serve. Withdraw from your confusion. We're not able to comprehend the Holy Trinity in our current state, but one day we will.
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One word picture that I have heard is that when you come before the throne in prayer it's the Father before you, Christ beside you, and Spirit in you.
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Hey! =D
I really like this line of theology! Especially how you guys are carrying it out! Absolute no pride whatsoever! =D
We know that sin came through Adam, and left through Christ. I think its safe to say that God the Father sent Christ to the earth to atone for our sins. So therefore, God the father initiates our redemption. Christ, was the one who died on the cross. Christ was the one who accomplished our redemption. But then what does the holy spirit do? In Romans 8, it says among lots of other things =D that the spirit helps our weaknesses. I believe that it is the spirits job to see us through salvation. =D (No, I am not calvinist, go figure.)
So in turn, we pray to God the father because we have direct channel and also Christ said to pray to God the father, Christ is our high priest and the mediator of our faith. (Hebrews 12) And how is Christ the mediator of our faith, through the holy spirit which helps our weaknesses and allows us to walk in the spirit. =D
If you guys want more scriptural backing, just ask for it. =D I'm sure I can put a few verses together. =D
I hope this helps.
Your brother in Him,
I really like this line of theology! Especially how you guys are carrying it out! Absolute no pride whatsoever! =D
We know that sin came through Adam, and left through Christ. I think its safe to say that God the Father sent Christ to the earth to atone for our sins. So therefore, God the father initiates our redemption. Christ, was the one who died on the cross. Christ was the one who accomplished our redemption. But then what does the holy spirit do? In Romans 8, it says among lots of other things =D that the spirit helps our weaknesses. I believe that it is the spirits job to see us through salvation. =D (No, I am not calvinist, go figure.)
So in turn, we pray to God the father because we have direct channel and also Christ said to pray to God the father, Christ is our high priest and the mediator of our faith. (Hebrews 12) And how is Christ the mediator of our faith, through the holy spirit which helps our weaknesses and allows us to walk in the spirit. =D
If you guys want more scriptural backing, just ask for it. =D I'm sure I can put a few verses together. =D
I hope this helps.
Your brother in Him,
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God the Father, I would assume for logic's sake, is YHWH(Jehovah), God Almighty to whom we pray. Jesus Christ was the Word born in the flesh (John ch. 1). Christ's spirit is the Holy Spirit(Romans ch. 8).
To better understand here's some points to ponder:
Jesus was God's Only Begotten---The Word of God is the Only Begotten of God(through which the worlds were made)
Jesus said he was the Truth, and he said that God's Word is Truth
And the Spirit of Jesus Christ(the Holy Spirit) is the Spirit of Truth
The Word is God's Seed, The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God's Seed(Christ)
EG "Born of God"... Jesus being born from the Spirit
Jesus said in John "Unless you eat my flesh (the Word) and drink my blood(the Spirit) you have no part with me"
In response to where Jesus said "I and the Father are one" consider the following:
In proverbs it states that: "As water reflects the face, so a man's heart reflects the man"
man was created in God's image
Jesus said "out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks"
Thus out of the overflow of God's heart He spoke His Word(Jesus)
And His Word would Be a reflection of who He was
As it is written of Jesus "He is the image of the invisible God"
God and His Word are One Even as you and your word are one.
for when you consider it relating to humans:
a)your word, or the concept of your word
b)made a person
c)would basically be identiacal to you
Point to ponder: Are not your word and you one?
Or am I the only one who sees this logic?
P.S. There's a lot more to all this logic
To better understand here's some points to ponder:
Jesus was God's Only Begotten---The Word of God is the Only Begotten of God(through which the worlds were made)
Jesus said he was the Truth, and he said that God's Word is Truth
And the Spirit of Jesus Christ(the Holy Spirit) is the Spirit of Truth
The Word is God's Seed, The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God's Seed(Christ)
EG "Born of God"... Jesus being born from the Spirit
Jesus said in John "Unless you eat my flesh (the Word) and drink my blood(the Spirit) you have no part with me"
In response to where Jesus said "I and the Father are one" consider the following:
In proverbs it states that: "As water reflects the face, so a man's heart reflects the man"
man was created in God's image
Jesus said "out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks"
Thus out of the overflow of God's heart He spoke His Word(Jesus)
And His Word would Be a reflection of who He was
As it is written of Jesus "He is the image of the invisible God"
God and His Word are One Even as you and your word are one.
for when you consider it relating to humans:
a)your word, or the concept of your word
b)made a person
c)would basically be identiacal to you
Point to ponder: Are not your word and you one?
Or am I the only one who sees this logic?
P.S. There's a lot more to all this logic
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I have a funny story. A new Christian asked her priest: who do I pray to; God the father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit?
The priest replied: It does not matter, they are all listening
Laura
The priest replied: It does not matter, they are all listening
Laura
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I have a funny story.
A new Christian asked her priest; who do I pray to, God the father, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
He replied: It does not matter, they are all listening.
Laura
A new Christian asked her priest; who do I pray to, God the father, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
He replied: It does not matter, they are all listening.
Laura
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In Scripture, prayers are ordinarily made to our Heavenly Father(Col.3,11;Eph.1:15-17), in the name of the Lord Jesus(Eph.5:20). The Spirit prompts and directs our prayer and is also included in benedictions(Mtt.28:19). I am not aware of any prayers to the Spirit: He seems to be the "shy member" of the Trinity who directs our attention to the Father and draws us to faith in Christ. God bless, Al
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The following is a prayer by St Symeon the New Theologian to the Holy Spirit.Allen2 said:
A Prayer by Saint Symeon The New Theologian (949- 1022)
Come, O true light! Come, O eternal life! Come, O hidden mystery! Come, O indescribable treasure! Come, O ineffable thing! Come, O inconceivable person! Come, O endless delight! Come, O unsetting light! Come, O true and fervent expectation of all those who will be saved! Come, O rising of those who lie down! Come, O resurrection of the dead!
Come, O powerful one, who always creates and re-creates and transforms by your will alone! Come, O invisible and totally intangible and untouchable! Come, O you who always remain immobile and at each moment move all, and come to us, who lie in hades, you who are above all heavens. Come, O desirable and legendary name, which is completely impossible for us to express what you are or to know your nature. Come, O eternal joy! Come, O unwithering wreath! Come, O purple of the great king our God! Come, O crystalline cincture, studded with precious stones! Come, O inaccessible sandal! Come, O royal robe and truly imperial right hand!
Come, you whom my wretched soul has desired and does desire! Come, you who alone go to the lonely for as you see I am lonely! Come, you who have separated me from everything and made me solitary in this world! Come, you who have become yourself desire in me, who have made me desire you, the absolutely inaccessible one! Come, O my breath and life! Come, O consolation of my humble soul! Come, O my joy, my glory, and my endless delight! I thank you that you have become one spirit with me, without confusion, without mutation, without transformation, you the God of all; and that you have become everything for me, inexpressible and perfectly gratuitous nourishment, which ever flows to the lips of my soul and gushes out into the fountain of my heart, dazzling garment which burns the demons, purification which bathes me with these imperishable and holy tears, that your presence brings to those whom you visit.
I give you thanks that for me you have become unsetting light and non-declining sun; for you who fill the universe with your glory have nowhere to hide yourself. No, you have never hidden yourself from anyone but we are the ones who always hide from you, by refusing to go to you; but then, where would you hide, you who nowhere find the place of your repose? Why would you hide, you who do not turn away from a single creature, who do not reject a single one? Today, then, O Master, come pitch your tent with me; until the end, make your home and live continually, inseparably within me, your slave, O most-kind one, that I also may find myself again in you, at my departure from this world and after my departure may I reign with you, O God who are above everything. O Master, stay and do not leave me alone, so that my enemies, arriving unexpectedly, they who are always seeking to devour my soul, may find you living within me and that they may take flight, in defeat, powerless against me, seeing you, O more powerful than everything, installed interiorly in the home of my poor soul. Yea, O Master, just as you remembered me, when I was in the world and, in the midst of my ignorance, you chose me and separated me from this world and set me before your glorious face, so now keep me interiorly, by your dwelling within me, forever upright, resolute; that by perpetually seeing you, I, the corpse, may live; that by possessing you, I, the beggar, may always be rich, richer than kings; that by eating you and by drinking you, by putting you on at each moment, I go from delight to delight in inexpressible blessings; for it is You, who are all good and all glory and all delight and it is to you, holy, consubstantial, and life-creating Trinity that the glory belongs, you whom all faithful venerate, confess, adore, and serve in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
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Jeff the Finn
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Godchild said:
All three!
God hearing is not limited so it's all right to talk to the father, the son or the spirit, or all three at once! They are so intertwined and fully connected that if you talk to one or all, they can all hear and respond to every request. In fact, they aren't even really separate beings in the sense that my sister, father and I are separate beings. They are all one all the time and yet separate all the time.
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Even though I am an American Baptist, I still ask Saint Francis of Assisi to intercede for me & I make the sign of the cross numerous times. I find I am more Catholic than American Baptist.
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Just curious: why do you ask for St. Francis' help? Can he provide anything that our Father could not? Even tho I am a BABTIST(gasp!), I make the sign of the cross, read from the early church councils and use the Book of Common Prayer(which I recommend) regularly! Al
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Allen2 said:
I regularly find myself having to seek help and prayers from others. This doesn't have to be limited to this time and place. Those before us are not dead, but alive in Christ. They are active members of the Church. And how powerful their prayers are! They are no longer battling the passions of the flesh. "The prayers of a righteous man availeth much."
And besides, if you ask me for help, and I do a good deed for you...it is not me, but Christ in me that does this. The same with the saints.
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I can't take credit for this story but I heard this the other day on my local Christian radio and might help with your question concerning who to pray to and how to pray.
A father and son went to an amusement park for the day and the father was the ticket holder for the rides. His son asked for four tickets to get on a ride and the father gave them to him and sent him off. This little boy who was dirtied up a bit tugged on the mans jacket and said, "Can I have four tickets?" The man replied, "I'd like to help but I don't know you." The boy then said, "Please sir, I need four tickets to ride that ride over there and I don't have any." The man said again, "I'm sorry but I don't know you, these are for my son." About that time his son ran up and told his dad that this was his friend from school and he sent him over to ask for four tickets so he could ride with him and in the confusion forgot to tell you that I sent him.
Moral of the story: You need something to make that connection with our Heavenly Father and that something/someone that can bring you to Him is Jesus Christ. So in prayer you ask our Father but close and let Him know, you come in the name of Jesus Christ.
-Ron
A father and son went to an amusement park for the day and the father was the ticket holder for the rides. His son asked for four tickets to get on a ride and the father gave them to him and sent him off. This little boy who was dirtied up a bit tugged on the mans jacket and said, "Can I have four tickets?" The man replied, "I'd like to help but I don't know you." The boy then said, "Please sir, I need four tickets to ride that ride over there and I don't have any." The man said again, "I'm sorry but I don't know you, these are for my son." About that time his son ran up and told his dad that this was his friend from school and he sent him over to ask for four tickets so he could ride with him and in the confusion forgot to tell you that I sent him.
Moral of the story: You need something to make that connection with our Heavenly Father and that something/someone that can bring you to Him is Jesus Christ. So in prayer you ask our Father but close and let Him know, you come in the name of Jesus Christ.
-Ron
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