Each person of the Trinity has different meaning to me, just as each relationship I have with others differs. So I approach on the basis of my need. Most often, I pray to the Father, in the Name of the Son and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
When I speak to the Holy Spirit, it’s as to a confidant, a partner, my closest friend, the One whom I share everything with, including my innermost thoughts. He’s the One who dwells in me. He coaches me in life, teaching me God’s Word and directing my path. I feel like it’s He who I offend most when I sin, so even after I’ve asked the Father for forgiveness, I tend to apologize to the Spirit as well. It’s the Spirit whom I ask to give me strength to live holy, who I ask for guidance. It’s the Spirit to whom I yield myself when I need His power to flow through me in ministry to others. It’s His Voice I hear speaking to me through my spirit.
In Jesus I see my Lord, my King, my Master. He inspires me and illuminates my world. I’m in awe of Him, yet it’s Jesus to whom I reach out when I need to address my humaness and weaknesses, since He understands the flesh and what it’s like to be human. I ask Jesus to teach me how to please the Father and obey His will for me. I tend to pray more specifically to Jesus when I have needs. I feel like I get my marching orders from Him and the Spirit helps me to walk that out everyday.
In the Father, I see Dad. Warm and intimate. Loving and strong. Approachable, yet holy beyond imagination, and thus a bit fearful. It’s the Father I want to please most. And it’s Him who I know I must approach with a pure heart. With the Father, I tend to get to the point quickly in prayer and not babble at Him. Mostly, I just enjoy getting into His Presence and being there - to “be still and know that I am God”.
David