How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Question:
When I got saved I always wanted to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I have received two times in my life the touch of God and when He touched me some power went from my head and through all my body, but I wasn't aware that it was the Holy Spirit who touched me. Later in my life, I came to know that Holy Spirit only touched me two times. Now I always want that touch to happen in my life when I start to pray but after praying I will found myself asleep. For the past several years, I haven't received his touch. Also in all those years, I have been backslid many times. I hope you understand that only my desire is to be filled with Holy Spirit, but I am not able to be filled. Yesterday also I was praying but I found myself sleeping because I get tired when I am praying and I give up also easily. Can you tell me why this is happening to me and what shall I do to overcome this?
Answer:
People have taken on numerous ideas about how the Holy Spirit operates, but the sad thing is that they don't look at God's Word to see what God says happens. I would like you to read "All Feeling, No Proof" and "Distinguishing Faith and Feelings." I would like you to look through your Bible and find any indication that the Holy Spirit chooses to operate in the manner in which you stated.
You see, the big problem that I have is that you had a feeling that you attributed to the Holy Spirit -- a feeling that served no purpose. Yet, God doesn't do things in such a purposeless manner. For a better idea of what it means to have the Spirit dwelling with you, see: Indwelling.
Regarding prayer, see:
