The Barefoot Evangelist

Read John 17:1-11 with your family.

Sometimes grown-ups make praying sound very complicated, but Jesus showed us something different. In today’s Bible story, Jesus talks to God like someone talking to a loving parent. He says that he has finished the work God gave him to do, and then he prays for his friends – the disciples. Jesus knows he won’t always be beside them in person anymore, so he asks God to stay close to them and help them.

That’s where the Holy Spirit comes in. The Holy Spirit is kind of like God’s whisper, warmth, courage, and comfort all rolled together. We can’t see the Holy Spirit the way we see a tree or a dog or a bicycle, but we can feel the Spirit helping us. Sometimes the Spirit nudges us to be kind, helps us calm down when we’re upset, or gives us courage to do the right thing even when it’s hard.

The really amazing thing is this: Jesus didn’t only care about the disciples long ago. He cares about us too. When you feel lonely, nervous, angry, or unsure, you can talk to God honestly – just like Jesus did. You don’t need fancy words. You can simply say, “God, please send your Holy Spirit to help me today.” And God listens.

So this week, try paying attention to little moments of Spirit. Maybe it’s the feeling that tells you to include someone who is left out. Maybe it’s the courage to apologize. Maybe it’s the peace you feel sitting outside in the sunshine with the wind moving through the trees. The Holy Spirit often shows up in quiet, gentle ways, walking beside us every day.

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