Pentecost, 50 days after Easter, is the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and followers of Jesus. We commemorate not only the descent of the Holy Spirit but also the fruit and effects of that event.
Thus, this week we choose to deliberately reflect on the gift and ministry of the Holy Spirit that we might realize afresh His work in our lives and the world.
Isaiah 11:2-4 is a prophesy of the Holy Spirit being given to Jesus. The fulfillment is recorded in the New Testament. (Luke 3:21-22). These verses below give us a beautiful description of the Holy Spirit. It’s incredible to realize the same Holy Spirit is given to anyone who believes in Jesus.
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him (Jesus),
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Isaiah 11:2-4
We can be confident in the word of God which tells us that the Holy Spirit will guide us (John 16:13), intercede for us (Romans 8:26), convict us toward holiness (John 16:8-11), and renew us daily (2 Corinthians 4:16).
In Prayers for Pentecost this week, we invite you to purposefully be aware of the presence of God dwelling within you through quiet reflection, listening and journaling.
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
We encourage you to write in a journal or a notebook. Writing is helpful in the process of noticing His voice and keeping us present to the moment.
Set a timer for one to two minutes to sit in stillness to quiet your heart and mind.
Read the following Scripture and prayer.
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Isaiah 11:2-4
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430ad)
Note any themes you might see, emotions that stir, or questions you might have.
Read the prayer again.
Is there something the Holy Spirit continues to bring to mind through these words? Have a conversation with Him.
In closing, pray the prayer over yourself and your day.