Friday May 19, 2023

Today is Friday, May 19 and we are exploring what the Bible says about the work of the Holy Spirit.

As I begin this time of prayer, I pause and become still. I breathe slowly and deeply and center myself upon the triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Father God, open my heart and enlighten my mind as I search your Holy Word. Lord Jesus, open the scriptures to me and reveal your truth. Come, Holy Spirit, be my helper and guide as I seek to grow in Christian maturity. Amen.

I praise God Almighty and marvel in his holiness with the words of Psalm 93.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the Lord on high is mighty. Your statutes, Lord, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days. Psalm 93:4-5

Pause and Pray

Sanctification is the work of God’s grace through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Those who have been born again are cleansed from sin in their thoughts, words and actions, enabled to live according to God’s will, and encouraged to strive for holiness. The goal of Methodism for Christian believers is for people to turn away from sin in repentance, turn to Jesus Christ in faith and become deeply committed followers growing in holiness of heart and life together. This is accomplished through the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s exhortation in his second letter to the Thessalonians provides understanding.

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

I am named a brother or sister “loved by the Lord” and Paul reminds me I am justified by grace and sanctified through the work of the Holy Spirit. This sanctification is not done through my own efforts or power, but through the Spirit’s power. God called me to believe in the truth, share the good news of salvation and find true freedom in his glorious kingdom. I am encouraged in my Christian walk, to stand firm and hold fast to the basic teachings of doctrine which I learned when I was younger and new to the faith. I commit myself to God’s Holy Word and the primary tenets of the Christian faith. I receive encouragement, hope and strength from God himself and am prepared to do good deeds and speak good words into the lives of others.

Ask: How have I experienced the sanctifying grace of God in my life? When do I struggle to stand firm and hold fast to what Christianity teaches?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, thank you for loving me and saving me to the uttermost through the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of your Word. Enable me to stand firm and hold fast to the teachings passed on to me by the Church. Please continue to encourage my heart, give me hope and strengthen me for good work in the world. I read the words from 2 Thessalonians again and listen for the message you have for me.

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I am seeking to understand the work of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life and how God is speaking to me at this current juncture of my faith journey. The Holy Spirit utilizes God’s word to instruct and encourage me. When I consider today’s scripture, I reflect on how it informs my soul. What might God want me to do next in order to cooperate with the maturing guidance of the Spirit in my life? What might be preventing me from taking the next step? What might be causing me to stagnate in my spiritual journey or even move backwards? Perhaps God wants to open a new door of possibilities for me as I journey with him.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, purify me with the fire of holiness, cleanse me with the waters of righteousness, lay aside the weight that prevents my progress, remove the sin that clings so closely and sanctify me in your love. Grant me perseverance in my call to attain Christian maturity and holiness of heart and life. I can accomplish nothing without you! Amen.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 (NRSV)

As I leave this time of prayer, I go to pursue holiness of heart and life, endeavoring to love and serve my neighbor in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen