Holy Spirit Mondays: Renewal and Self-Talk

Each Monday, I send a short email to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. It will include a quote, a brief reflection, and a short prayer asking for the intercession of the Spirit.

Read:

"By the Holy Spirit all creation is renewed and thus returns to its first state. For He is equal in power to the Father and the Logos" (Matins, 17 August 2025).

Ponder:

Sometimes we're not hard enough on ourselves. But most of the time, we're our own worst enemies. Think about it. When we talk to ourselves, we often recount the sins we've committed, the mistakes we've made, the people we've let down, and the dreams we've let slip away. It's the kind of self-deprecation that starts with 'if only I could have' ... 'I probably should have' ... 'I definitely would have, if only...'

But we don't have to believe or think or act like that every day. Why? Because the Holy Spirit lit the world at creation. The Holy Spirit set creation on fire at Pentecost. And the Holy Spirit enlivens us in Chrismation, Confession, and Anointing.

Even now, today, the Holy Spirit personally comforts us, counsels us, and advocates for us. The Holy Spirit reminds you, me, and all of us that we can overcome much of what ails us and renews in us the love of God, self, and others. In this we are brought back to a type of original state, which enables us to live life more fully in faith, hope, and the joyful fulfillment of God's will.

Pray:

"Most Holy Spirit, save me from myself and sanctify me."

A Coptic Orthodox Icon