Advocate

The word John uses for “advocate” literally translates to: “one called alongside.” An advocate is someone who comes alongside of us, speaking up for us, voicing our needs, becoming a companion for wherever the journey takes us. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will be our “advocate,” alongside of us forever.

When I was in college, my campus pastor Lloyd embodied the Spirit’s advocating presence for me. My first year away from home was full of loneliness, poor grades and lots of doubts and questions about my future. During one conversation, Lloyd reminded me that my worth was not tied to my GPA or trying to be perfect, but rather to God’s gifts grace in Jesus Christ. He spoke a truth I needed to hear!

The Advocate speaks God’s promises of grace, truth and life in Christ, and works through people around us to embody these promises. Our “advocates” might be friends, pastors, roommates, therapists, professors, mentors, or people we have just met. The Spirit sends people to walk with us on the journey of life, to remind us that we are not alone, and to embody grace for us.

Gracious and loving God, thank you for your Spirit’s advocating presence in our lives. Thank you for the people you send alongside of us, and strengthen us to embody your Spirit’s grace and truth for others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rev. Tim Dean, Board Member and Partner Congregation Pastor

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.

-John 14:16