Paraclete

Paraclete (/ ˈpærəkliːt /; Greek: παράκλητος, romanized: paráklētos) is a Christian biblical term occurring five times in the Johannine texts of the New Testament. In Christian theology, the word commonly refers to the Holy Spirit and is translated as 'advocate', 'counsellor', or 'helper'.

The bible indicates that, in times of trouble or despair, if we ask, God will send a paraclete to provide comfort. I'm not a theologian. I envision this paraclete as a small token from God, to live in our heart and provide warmth, guidance, and hope.

When I was a small boy, I found myself all alone, far from home, confined to a small room in a hospital. A spinal tap had determined my illness was Poliomyelitis. I would spend several weeks in that hospital and witness the devastating effects of Polio on other children. I'd be haunted for the rest of my life by the prospect of finding myself crippled and confined to an iron lung. During my time at the hospital, in the wee hours of one dark morning, I had a terrifying nightmare. Awakened from the nightmare, I began praying as only a terrified child can pray. God responded by sending comfort and hope. Days later, new tests indicated the polio was gone and I was free to go home with Mom and Dad.

Needless to say, that was many decades ago, but all these years later, that warmth, guidance, and hope live on in my heart. As a result, my burden is lighter, my fears less crippling, and for me, mercy comes easily.  If you would have a paraclete in your heart, you need only ask God. "And what does God require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God".  SC