A Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
As I reflect on Acts 8:14-17, I come before you, longing for the Holy Spirit’s transformative power to infuse my life with a seamless blend of faith and action. In Acts, the apostles not only shared the Gospel message but also prayed for the Holy Spirit to enter new believers. Although the verses don’t explicitly state the outcomes, the pattern suggests that when the Holy Spirit is present, it sparks action. While faith is of utmost importance, without the Holy Spirit, it tends to stagnate and lose vitality, as poignantly expressed in James 2:26 (ESV): “faith apart from works is dead.” This verse beautifully underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit breathing life into my faith, turning it into a vibrant force that propels meaningful action.
The starting point appears to be faith. I pray that you will fill me with strong and steady faith that stays strong even when times are tough. I also ask for clarity in your plan. Sometimes I freeze in inaction because I don’t know which way to turn. It is my strong desire for my family and friends to know you. I deeply want people around the world to turn from strife and division and turn towards you. It is so tiring to read news reports of violence and drama that would be solved if everyone treated every other human in the way that you intend. Help me to know how to share the Gospel message in a convincing way. Sometimes I get so frustrated that many Bible passages say that the apostles shared the Gospel message and people believed. What did they say? How did they say it?
Fortunately, you promised Jesus disciples in Luke 12:12 that the Holy Spirit would give them words exactly when they needed them. I ask that you do the same for me! Please reveal your will for me and enable me to be a source of encouragement, love, and understanding to those around me. Give me wisdom, give me boldness. When I feel timid, put your words in my mouth! When the Holy Spirit prompts, help me to follow the leading.
Above all, I ask that you keep my faith alive. Help me persevere through moments of uncertainty and challenges. Remind me that obstacles do not signify your absence. Transform me to align with Your will and grant me the serenity to accept the things beyond my control.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Read: Musings about Acts 8:14-15 – A Bible Verse about the Need for the Holy Spirit
Respond
Please pray a prayer about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your actions. If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
As you consider the theme of the Holy Spirit’s transformative power, are there any Bible verses or reflection topics that came to mind? If so, add a comment at the end of this post!
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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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