IN THE LIGHT OF THE SPIRIT, Chapter four

 

Fourth Part
Promised Spirit: Presence, Power, and Charisms

 

  

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” — Acts 1:8

 

 

 

Introduction

From the very first books of the Bible, humanity lived awaiting a promise: the coming of a Spirit who would renew the human heart and transform history.
That promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended like fire, like wind, like a living presence. But His action did not remain in the past. The Spirit continues to come every time someone calls upon Him with faith.
Before departing, Jesus assured His disciples that He would not leave them alone. He promised them a Comforter, an inner Teacher, a light that would dwell within them and fill them with power from on high.
That same Spirit is the one who continues today guiding the Church, inspiring prayer, healing hearts, and pouring out His charisms—spiritual gifts that are not privileges but instruments to serve, to build up, and to love better.
In this chapter we will explore the biblical promises of His coming and discover how the Holy Spirit manifests through visible and silent gifts, powerful and discreet, which help us to live in communion with God and to be light in the world.

 

 

 

 

Biblical Promises about the Holy Spirit

From the Old to the New Testament: a promise fulfilled in you by the Holy Spirit.

The Biblical study of the Holy Spirit is essential to live in the Light.

 

In the Old Testament

Although the Holy Spirit is not yet fully revealed as a person, He already appears as the power of God that acts, inspires, and transforms—and also as a future promise of universal outpouring.

“I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.” — Joel 2:28
“I will put a new spirit within you.” — Ezekiel 36:26
“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him: the Spirit of wisdom and understanding.” — Isaiah 11:2
“My Spirit will not depart from you.” — Isaiah 59:21
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” — Isaiah 61:1 (a prophetic text that Jesus would later take up)

 

In 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, Paul speaks about the diversity of spiritual gifts that God, through the Holy Spirit, grants to each believer for the common good of the Church. These gifts, though different, come from the same source and are distributed by the Spirit according to His will.

 

 

 1 Corinthians 12:4–11

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines.”

 

 

 In the New Testament

Here, the Holy Spirit is revealed as a divine Person—guide, comfort, and inner strength. No longer merely a promise, but a living presence.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” — Acts 1:8
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter.” — John 14:16
“The Holy Spirit will teach you all things.” — John 14:26
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness.” — Romans 8:26
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience...” — Galatians 5:22–23
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” — Romans 8:16

 

 

  

Promises of Jesus about the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit as Comforter and Advocate

“And I will pray to the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” — John 14:16–17

Jesus promises that He will not leave His disciples alone. The Holy Spirit will be His living Presence, constant companionship, and faithful guide.

 

The Holy Spirit will teach and remind you of all things

“But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.” — John 14:26

The Spirit acts as the inner Teacher, helping us to understand, deepen, and live the Word of Jesus. I believe this gift enabled the apostles to write the New Testament.

 

The Spirit will bear witness to Jesus

“When the Comforter comes, whom I will send to you from the Father... He will testify about Me.” — John 15:26

The Spirit does not come to speak of Himself, but to reveal Christ within the believer’s heart.

 

The Spirit will guide into all truth

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth... and He will tell you what is yet to come.” — John 16:13

Jesus promises that the Spirit will be a guide, an inner voice, and a light to understand the times.

 

You will receive power when the Spirit comes

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses... to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8

Before ascending, Jesus assures His followers that they will receive divine strength to be courageous witnesses of the Gospel.

 

Jesus breathes the risen Spirit

“Receive the Holy Spirit.” — John 20:22

After His resurrection, Jesus gives a foretaste of Pentecost, breathing upon them the Spirit as the breath of new life.

The Prophetic Word Given by the Holy Spirit

 When God speaks through the soul that opens to His light

The Holy Spirit not only comforts, heals, or guides—He also speaks. And when He does, His word carries fire, clarity, and purpose.
Prophetic word is not fortune-telling or spectacle. It is communication inspired by God, given through a person who has learned to listen, discern, and speak in His name—with humility and faithfulness.
A true prophetic word neither manipulates nor condemns. It enlightens, confirms, lovingly corrects, gives direction, and restores hope.

 

What characterizes a prophetic word from the Spirit?

• It is born in deep prayer, not in emotion or vanity.
• It is in harmony with the Word of God.
• It comes with serene authority, leaving peace, not fear.
• It awakens faith, not control.
• It is recognized by the soul that hears it, because it resounds deep within.

 

 

 

Biblical Foundation

“Do not despise prophecies; test everything, hold fast to what is good.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21

“Men and women shall prophesy, and young people shall see visions.”
— Joel 2:28 (fulfilled in Acts 2)

“The one who prophesies speaks to others for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:3

 

In Daily Life

Today more than ever, the Spirit continues to whisper prophetic words in the secret of the soul. Sometimes during personal prayer, sometimes through a brother or sister, and sometimes in a phrase that arrives with unexpected strength.
Not everyone is a prophet, but everyone can be open to receiving the living word of the Spirit, if they seek it with faith, discernment, and humility.
All can receive gifts and charisms if they ask the Holy Spirit. He will give them what they need and what He considers the best gifts for their lives—to fulfill their mission and vocation.

 

 

 

🙏 Prayer to Receive a Prophetic Word from the Spirit

Holy Spirit,
if You have something to tell me,
may my soul be attentive.

If You have something to say to others through me,
may my mouth not be afraid.

Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.

Amen

 

 

 

The Charismatic Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Visible manifestations of an invisible presence

The Holy Spirit does not only dwell in silence. He also manifests Himself with power, when He finds hearts that are available, humble, and full of faith.
These special manifestations are known as charismatic gifts (from the Greek charisma, meaning “free grace”). They are not spiritual trophies nor privileges for a few, but instruments to build up, console, guide, and strengthen the people of God.
Saint Paul teaches that the Spirit distributes His gifts as He wills and to whom He wills—not by merit, but by divine purpose:

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:7

 

 

 

What Are the Charismatic Gifts For?

To build up the community of faith
To reveal the love and truth of God
To confirm the living presence of the Spirit
To console, guide, strengthen, or warn
To awaken faith and conversion in hearts

 

 

 

Main Charismatic Gifts

1. Word of Wisdom
   An inner light that allows one to see a situation with divine clarity, beyond logic. It is supernatural wisdom, given at the precise moment.
2. Word of Knowledge
   The capacity to know something hidden or deep that only the Spirit can reveal—not for judgment, but for healing or guidance.
3. Discernment of Spirits
   The ability to identify which spirit is acting—whether something comes from God, from the ego, from the world, or from the enemy.
4. Prophecy
   To speak in the name of the Spirit, delivering a message that builds up, encourages, and consoles. It is not divination, but a living, guided communication.
5. Gift of Tongues
   A prayer inspired in a spiritual language (glossolalia) or a known one, lifting the soul beyond human words.
6. Interpretation of Tongues
   The capacity to understand and translate what has been spoken in spiritual tongues, for the edification of others.
7. Supernatural Faith
   An extraordinary faith that allows one to believe with total certainty at crucial moments, even when everything visible seems adverse.
8. Healing
   The grace to pray for the sick with spiritual authority, so that the Lord may act, if it is His will.
9. Miracles
   The supernatural intervention of God in the physical, emotional, or spiritual realm—beyond what is natural—to manifest His glory.

 

 

 

How Are These Gifts Received?

They are not demanded: they are asked for with humility.
They are not purchased: they are received as grace.
They are not used to stand out: they are used to serve.
They are not developed through technique: they are strengthened through prayer, obedience, and discernment.

 

 

 

🙏 Prayer to Be Open to the Charismatic Gifts

Holy Spirit,
if You wish to use me, here I am.
I open my heart to Your gifts,
not for my glory,
but so that others may receive Your love.

Give me wisdom, faith, discernment,
and above all, humility.

Make my life a channel of Your presence,
and may everything You give me
be placed at the service of the Kingdom of God.

Amen

 

 

 

May the Nations Walk in the Light of the Holy Spirit

Without the Spirit, peoples fade. With Him, they shine.

The Holy Spirit is not only the guide of the individual soul. He is also light for the nations, inspiration for rulers, strength for the weak, and comfort for wounded peoples.
In a world marked by moral confusion, soulless materialism, and violence disguised as progress, only the Spirit of God can restore collective conscience, elevate the hearts of nations, and return to humanity its sacred dignity.
Economic systems, human laws, and international treaties are not enough to build peace if the soul of nations is asleep or corrupted.
A people without the Spirit walk in darkness, even if they possess science and technology. A nation guided by the Holy Spirit can rise from the ashes and become a beacon of hope for the world.

 

 

 

What Does the Spirit Bring to a Nation?

Wisdom to govern with justice
Social conscience to care for the weak
Compassion instead of vengeance
Unity amid diversity
Truth that does not change with interests
Peace that comes not only from treaties but from a transformed soul

That is why this time is a time of global invocation.
We need the nations to open themselves to the Spirit.
For peoples to lift their gaze.
For humanity to breathe again in God.

 

 

 

 🙏 Prayer for the Nations of the World

Holy Spirit,
breathe over the peoples of the earth.

Enter the nations that have forgotten the light.
Enlighten rulers with Your wisdom,
awaken the sleeping conscience of societies,
and heal the history of wounded peoples.

Where there is war, bring peace.
Where there is injustice, ignite truth.
Where there is poverty, awaken compassion.

Visit every country, every tongue, every culture.
Let no nation be without Your presence.

We pray for divided nations,
for those that suffer hunger,
for those that persecute faith,
for those hardened in power.

Spirit of God,
may all humanity walk again in Your light.
Let this generation be the one that rises in Your name,
not guided by the darkness of the world,
but by Your eternal truth.

Come, Holy Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth.

Amen

 

 

   

 

 Author’s Note

My name is Vera Bolaños, a Guatemalan writer and author of the Philosophy of Light, a spiritual proposal that seeks to lead the human being toward inner transcendence, the awakening of consciousness, and a life guided by luminous values such as truth, compassion, and justice.
The Philosophy of Light teaches that the connection with the Holy Spirit is essential in order to walk in clarity, overcome inner darkness, and discover the profound purpose of existence.
This book has been written from that conviction: that only the light of the Spirit can truly transform the mind, heal the heart, and guide the soul.
I hope that every prayer and every exercise shared here will serve as bridges toward that living presence of the Holy Spirit—who is always here, who always listens, and who always responds when invoked with faith.

With respect and hope,

Vera Bolaños