What's the Spirit got to do with it?

If the Spirit is actively guiding your life, perhaps you shouldn't mention it.....at least not around staid, stoic Lutherans.

Lutherans have historically had a limited relationship with the Holy Spirit.   Well, that's not completely true.  We recognize and acknowledge the work of the Spirit as recorded in the scriptures.  We just don't talk about the Spirit's power or movement in our day to day lives, or in our worship, or in our prayer.  I think we don't really know what to do or say about the Spirit, so we don't say anything.

The Holy Spirit is the power of God moving and acting in this world (and possibly in other worlds as well but that's not the point).  Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit - ergo the Spirit gives life, even new life.  Elijah was directed to return to his calling as a prophet (out there in the cave, you know, the 'still small voice') so the Spirit can direct our work and our days.  The Spirit moved among the worshippers on the day of Pentecost and everyone spoke boldly, openly and everyone else understood them.....so the Spirit gives us boldness to speak and openness to hear.

The Spirit is more that a 'feeling' but I expect most of us first experience the Spirit's moving through an inner sense that we would call a feeling.  Sometimes the Spirit guides us by giving us clarity - about a decision to be made or a person who needs to be visited.  Sometimes the Spirit calls us into a situation quite unbeknownest to us so we can witness the Spirit at work and be inspired to new work on God's behalf.

In our baptism, we are anointed with the Holy Spirit.  At confirmation, our young people once again call on the Spirit to guide their feet and build their faith.  At ordination, the Spirit is invoked (we call on its name) to bless and guide the new pastor. 

Perhaps we are afraid of the Spirit's power?  I don't know; being raised from the dead is a pretty exciting possibility.  How about we increase our quotient of Spirit talk and expectation?  What could that bring in 2013?