The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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Flynn warns:
"Perhaps we have overrated the nature of gifts by thinking of them as something
impressive when in reality they may be quite ordinary. Instead of flamboyant,
grandstand abilities, they may be silent, steady workings of the Holy Spirit who
does not [usually] come in earthquake, storm, or wind, but in the still, small voice
and soft simple way.” 1
Don't always look for the spectacular. Be open, however, to all the possibilities.
III. PRAYER
James informs us, "You do not have, because you do not ask God" (Jas. 4:2). Prayer is a key
to receiving what God has for us.
Some of you have tried this method of prayer but still have not found your gifts. Prayer itself is
not always enough. According to James, your attitudes, your motives, are of utmost importance as
we approach God in prayer. James says,
"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you
may spend what you get on your pleasures” (Jas. 4:3).
There is the danger of wanting the gifts someone else has because of what they achieve with
them. Simon the Sorcerer was impressed with the great signs and miracles he saw performed by
Philip, Peter and John. Luke tells us that
"When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostle's hands, he
offered them money and said, 'Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I
lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 8:18-19).
The importance of prayer is seen in Paul's statement to the Christians at Corinth:
". . . as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the
charisma [gracious favor] granted us in answer to the prayers of many" (II Cor. 1:11).
Although the word charisma is here used in a more general sense of "gracious favor" the
association of prayer with the laying on of hands, as in the setting apart of the seven deacons
(Acts 6:6) and of Barnabas and Paul (Acts 13:3), suggests that prayer is vital in giving of God's
gifts. This is true whether it is gifts in general or more specifically, in the area of our spiritual
giftedness.