God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5
Today’s text reminds us of the Father announcing his affirmation and blessing upon his son Jesus at his baptism as the Holy Spirit descends upon him like a dove. However mysterious is the action of the Holy Spirit, it does seem that the Father wants our communities to bear witness to the Spirit’s presence and action in our lives. Sometimes we need others to lay hands on us, pray with us and help us see the Spirit who has been given to us.
Acts 8:14-17 (NLT)
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-17 (TMG)
When the apostles in Jerusalem received the report that Samaria had accepted God’s Message, they sent Peter and John down to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Up to this point they had only been baptized in the name of the Master Jesus; the Holy Spirit hadn’t yet fallen on them. Then the apostles laid their hands on them and they did receive the Holy Spirit.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, a phrase, image, or feeling that shimmered as you listened? Bring it into your prayer with Jesus. Perhaps you want to draw or color your prayer.
Reflect upon how you have experienced the Holy Spirit in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you where you may have missed the Presence. Journal what comes to mind.
Where are you longing to witness the Holy Spirit at work in your life? Bring this longing into your prayer. As the prayer comes to a close, give yourself some time to surrender in quiet trust that the Spirit is in you and with you.
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