“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11–13)
Dear Abba, you are the Father from whom all “fatherhood” derives its meaning, encouragement, and hope. All blessings are traceable back to you. All good gifts come from you—including the gift of the Holy Spirit.
By your Spirit you gave us new life in Christ. You sealed us with the Spirit and he now permanently indwells us. 24/7/365 he never stops witnessing to our Sonship and belovedness. He is the firstfruits and guarantee of our citizenship in heaven and the glories of our coming life in the new heaven and new earth. Hallelujah and thank you!
By your Spirit you are making us more like Jesus. By your Spirit you are growing fruit to your glory and the blessing of our neighbors. By your Spirit you lead us, pray inside of us, convict us without shaming us, and show us more and more of Jesus everywhere in the Bible. And shockingly, Abba, these are just several of the many more ways your Spirit blesses us.
It’s why we take the promise of more of your Spirit seriously and joyfully. As a fisherman, I am glad you give fish—especially trout, cobia, redfish, and salmon. As someone who loves a good breakfast, I am thankful for eggs. But with my sisters and brothers in Christ, I’m most grateful and ready for more of your Spirit’s work in my life and in our midst as your children.
All stereotypes aside—“Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.” Abba, we need a sure and lasting revival. We need to be intoxicated with your Spirit all over again (Eph.5:18). We need the power of your Spirit to live and love to your glory. Come, Spirit, come. So Very Amen.
