Today we begin nine days of prayer for the Holy Spirit, as the apostles did in the upper room before the first Pentecost. We need this time to prepare the way for the Spirit. Possibly you're afraid of receiving the Spirit, but "the Spirit God has given us is no cowardly spirit, but rather One that makes us strong, loving, and wise" (2 Tm 1:7). Jesus commands: "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you" (Acts 18:9-10).
Come, Holy Spirit! Maybe you've lost a spouse, parent, child, or loved one through death and you're too hurt to think of anything else, even the Holy Spirit. You grieve, "weep and mourn while the world rejoices" (Jn 16:20). Talk to Jesus about the death, the pain, and the loss. Ask Him questions. One day "you will have no questions to ask" Him (Jn 16:23). The Father and Son will send the Spirit to guide you to all truth (Jn 16:13). Come, Holy Spirit!
Will you stop right now and make a decision about waiting and praying for the Spirit in the next nine days? Seek God's will; write down how you believe He wants you to pray during these nine days. Pray and obey. Believe and receive the Holy Spirit.
| PRAYER: | Father, give me the grace to pray in these next nine days as I never have before. |
| PROMISE: | "You are sad for a time, but I shall see you again; then your hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from you." –Jn 16:22 |
| PRAISE: | St. Philip Neri was led by his confessor to become a priest at age thirty-five. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College