When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4
Dear heavenly Father, on the church calendar it’s Pentecost Sunday—a day for remembering the giving of your Spirit to your church, and for rejoicing in all the ways he works in our lives. We praise your for your über generosity in sending your Spirit to us.
For starters, we’re utterly dependent on the Spirit’s work to even believe the gospel. He raised us from our spiritual death, showed us the bottomless depth of our need, and the measureless gift of Jesus to meet our need. Hallelujah, the gospel is true!
By the Spirit, you sealed us forever as your beloved children. We’ll never be unborn-again, disowned, or orphaned from you. He’s the firstfruits of our final redemption—the guarantee that one Day we’ll be completely like Jesus—sharing life with all our brothers and sisters in the new heaven and new earth. The Spirit’s the wedding ring wrapped around our hearts—the sign and security of our betrothal to Jesus, our loving Bridegroom. Nothing will ever separate us from the love of Jesus. Hallelujah!
It’s by the Spirit we hear you constantly telling us we are your beloved children—guilt and condemnation free, desired and delighted in greatly. We believe, help our unbelief.
Father, we worship you acceptably only by the Spirit’s ministry, and we’re comforted to know the Spirit ceaselessly prays inside of us—even when we’re too distracted or disheartened to pray. And through the Spirit, you’ve gifted for service and empowered for mission—every one of us, no exceptions. Thank you, Father, thank you.
On this Pentecost Sunday, we heed afresh your command to be filled with the Spirit. We gladly and expectantly yield. Come, Holy Spirit, come, and fill us to overflowing—to the praise of our God and for the blessing of our neighbors. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ exalted and loving name.
