Come Holy Spirit Series: The Gift of Counsel

 Come Holy Spirit Series.

Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit Series: Week 3 — The Gift of Counsel

“When the Spirit Whispers: Learning to Trust the Gift of Counsel”

Welcome back to Come Holy Spirit, a weekly journey to rediscover the presence, power, and friendship of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

This week, we continue exploring the beautiful gifts we were given at Confirmation—perhaps long ago, perhaps barely remembered. But they are still there. Still alive. Still waiting to be unwrapped.

So far, we have reflected on Wisdom and Understanding—gifts that help us see and grasp God's truth.

Now we turn to something deeply personal:
the Gift of Counsel.

 

What Does the Catechism Say About Counsel?

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:

Q. 389. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent dispositions which make man docile in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
They are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
(CCC 1830–1831)

 

What Is the Gift of Counsel?

The Gift of Counsel is the Holy Spirit guiding our conscience.
It is the voice that helps us know which path to take.
It is the divine nudge that says “this is the way—walk in it.”
It is the gift that helps us discern and decide rightly.

Where Wisdom lets us see, and Understanding helps us grasp,
Counsel helps us choose in light of God's will.

Counsel is not guesswork or overthinking—it’s the gentle clarity of God’s Spirit speaking to the heart. Especially when we listen.

 

Why Do We Need the Gift of Counsel?

Because life is filled with choices—big and small.
And while the world offers opinions, the Holy Spirit offers guidance.

Counsel helps us:

• Choose good over evil.
• Make wise decisions aligned with God’s will.
• Speak truth when needed—and remain silent when love requires it.
• Avoid temptation and moral confusion.
• Offer wise advice when others turn to us.

The Spirit guides not through fear, but through peace.

 

How Can We Renew and Use the Gift of Counsel?

1. Practice Silence

Create space to hear the Spirit. Counsel is often a whisper, not a shout.

2. Ask for Guidance

In any decision, pray:

“Holy Spirit, guide me. Show me what pleases You.”

3. Pay Attention to Peace

Counsel often comes with an inner clarity or calm that can’t be explained.

4. Seek Godly Advice

Sometimes Counsel comes through others—wise, prayerful friends or mentors.

5. Let the Spirit Speak Through You

When someone seeks your advice, pause first. Ask the Spirit to help you speak only what they need—not just your opinion.

 

Scriptures That Reflect the Gift of Counsel

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105

“When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say;
what you are to say will be given to you at that time.”
— Matthew 10:19

“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”
— Psalm 25:9

 

Reflection Question for the Week

Where in my life am I being invited to listen more carefully for the Holy Spirit’s guidance rather than relying only on my own thoughts?

 

Daily Soul Moments: Counsel Week

• Sunday: Reflect: Was there a moment this week when I clearly felt the Spirit guide me?
• Monday: Pause before a small decision today and ask: “Holy Spirit, what do You want?”
• Tuesday: Read Psalm 25 slowly. Which verse speaks to your need for guidance?
• Wednesday: Journal about a decision you're facing. Invite the Holy Spirit into it.
• Thursday: Think of someone who sought your advice. Ask: Did I let the Spirit speak through me?
• Friday: Practice listening more than speaking. See what rises in the silence.
• Saturday: Thank the Spirit for a time you were guided—even when you didn’t realize it right away.

·         Let this be a week of learning to trust the whisper of the Spirit. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to say each day:
“Come, Holy Spirit. I’m listening.”

 

Closing Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, Gift of Counsel,
Be the compass of my heart.
Guide me in small things and great.
Teach me to pause and listen.
Help me speak when I should,
And be silent when You are working in the stillness.
Walk beside me in every choice,
So that I may choose not just what is good,
But what is holy, wise, and pleasing to You.

 

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