Come Holy Spirit series: The Holy Spirit Beside us as Paraclete.

 Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit

The Paraclete — The Holy Spirit Beside Us

We have spent the last several months walking with the Holy Spirit through the fruits He brings to life in us — gentleness, patience, self-control, and all the rest. But now, a new light beckons: not just what the Spirit does in us, but who He is.

The Many Names of the Holy Spirit — Focusing on the Paraclete

The Holy Spirit is not a vague or distant force; He is deeply personal — God-with-us in power, wisdom, and intimacy. Scripture and tradition give the Spirit many names, each one revealing a facet of His mission and His presence in our lives.

Names of the Holy Spirit in Scripture and Tradition

• Spirit of God (Genesis 1:2)
• Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35)
• Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of Truth (John 14:17)
• Advocate / Paraclete (John 14:26)
• Counsellor (John 16:7)
• Comforter
• Teacher (John 14:26)
• Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding (Isaiah 11:2)
• Spirit of Counsel and Might
• Spirit of Knowledge and Fear of the Lord
• Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9)
• Spirit of Adoption (Romans 8:15)
• Spirit of Grace (Hebrews 10:29)
• Breath of God (Job 33:4)
• Fire (Acts 2:3)
• Gift of the Most High

Each name carries mystery and power — not abstract, but alive in us, shaping us, praying within us, and bearing fruit in our lives.

 

Today’s Focus: The Paraclete

When Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to His disciples, He calls Him the Paraclete — a word rich in meaning. “Paraclete” comes from the Greek paraklētos, which means one who is called alongside to help.

It is a legal term, yes — like an advocate in court — but it is  so much more. The Paraclete is the one who:

• Defends us when we are accused.
• Comforts us when we are hurting.
• Teaches us when we are confused.
• Reminds us of Jesus' words.
• Dwells in us so we are never alone.

The Paraclete is the Spirit who comes alongside — never in front to dominate, never behind to push — but beside us, like a true companion.  When we are hurting, we can simply ask the Holy Spirit to comfort us just as we would ask a friend. The Holy Spirit is willing to defend, comfort, teach, remind and dwell within us.  Do we desire to know the Holy Spirit? Do we ask him when we are in need or simply touch our heart as He dwells within our soul.

 

The Paraclete in Your Life Today

As we journey through our lives, we may wish to ponder and remember the times when the Holy Spirit as we have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit  by  defending, comforting, teaching, reminding and dwelling in us.  Ponder those moments and treasure them.  The presence of the Paraclete anchors and activates our journey. If you have sensed His prompting, His stirring, His guidance — then know this: He is already at work within you.

Nothing is too small in our lives for the Holy Spirit. We need to desire to come to know Holy Spirit.  Recently I have been doing a lot of baking and learning not only new recipes but different techniques. Even in this experience of learning, the Holy Spirit has been gently showing me what it means to offer the “first fruits”: not merely the results, but my creativity, my trust, my willingness to be led.

The Paraclete does not just help us get through life — He helps us become fire.

 

This next phase of our journey invites us to deepen our relationship with the Spirit by meditating on the names by which He is known — and loved. Each name is not just a title, but a window into the mystery of God’s nearness. Today, we begin with a name Jesus Himself used: The Paraclete.

 

Scripture Speaks: Who is the Paraclete?

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Paraclete to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth…”— John 14:16–17

The word Paraclete appears most clearly in the Gospel of John. In Greek, paraklētos refers to one who is called alongside — to help, to comfort, to advocate.

Jesus promises His disciples that even though He will return to the Father, they will not be left orphaned. The Paraclete — the Holy Spirit — will be sent in His name. He will not only teach them, but remain with them, breathing Christ’s presence into their every step.

Other translations of this same word vary: Advocate, Helper, Comforter, Counsellor. Each word highlights a different thread of the same promise: the Spirit is near, not in concept but in companionship.

 

Unpacking the Name: What Does “Paraclete” Mean for Us?

 It is worth pausing and letting this sink in:

• The Paraclete is not distant, watching your life like a spectator.
• The Paraclete is not forceful, pushing or pulling like a puppet-master.
• The Paraclete is the One who comes beside you. Not in front, not behind. Beside.

The presence of the Paraclete is often gentle — so gentle, in fact, that we might miss it. He does not demand centre stage. Instead, He whispers truth, offers wisdom, breathes peace. He is the comfort in grief, the courage in fear, the clarity in confusion.

·         He advocates when our heart condemns us.

·         He reminds us of Jesus when we forget the path.

·         He prays within us when we do not know how to begin.

·         He helps us to stand — and to walk again.

 

A Personal Glimpse: When the Paraclete Comes Close

For many of us, it is only in hindsight that we realise: That moment… that gentle nudge… that breath of peace — it was Him.

Perhaps you’ve experienced this already, especially when you’ve stepped into new territory with God — maybe a new recipe, a new challenge, a creative breakthrough. You’ve trusted when you weren’t sure. You’ve offered something first, not knowing what would follow — like “first fruits.” And mysteriously, grace followed.

Could it be that the Holy Spirit was right there — not doing it for you, but encouraging you beside you?

That is what it means to be accompanied by the Paraclete.

 

For Journaling and Reflection

• When have I experienced the Holy Spirit standing beside me?
• Do I call on the Paraclete as a companion, or do I often try to walk alone?
• What new step is the Spirit asking me to take — not by myself, but with Him?
• Which name of the Holy Spirit speaks most deeply to you right now?
• Have you ever experienced the Spirit as Paraclete — as one who stood beside you in a moment of confusion, weakness, or courage?
• What “first fruit” might you offer today — an action, a word, or a creative gesture — as a sign of your cooperation with the Spirit?

A Simple Prayer

Holy Spirit, Paraclete and Friend,
Come alongside me today.
In silence or in noise,
In courage or in fear,
Be my Advocate, my Teacher, my Comforter.
When I forget what Jesus said,
Remind me.
When I grow weary,
Strengthen me.
Let me walk this day knowing
I am never alone.
Amen.