The work of the Holy Spirit is an awesome mystery for us. Because of the way these spiritual gifts are given to us and manifested in individuals, it is better to provide a description rather than a narrow, one-size-fits-all definition. Like the spiritual gifts assessment, these descriptions are not definitive but paint a beautiful tapestry of the Holy Spirit at work in God’s people.
PRAYER:
The spiritual gift that enables the receiver to encourage others so as to strengthen, comfort or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.
People with this gift are usually: positive, motivating, challenging, affirming, reassuring, supportive, trustworthy.
Cautions for people with this gift: being overly optimistic, too simplistic or flattering; being aware where others are in their faith journey and what they really need.
Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:16–18, John 14:1, 3 John 1:5–8
Adapted from Gifts for You: Opening Your Spiritual Gifts and used here with permission. Copyright © 2011 Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Written by Valora K Starr. www.womenoftheelca.org/filebin/pdf/resources/SpiritualGifts.pdf