September 27, 2018

Come, Holy Spirit

September 27, 2018

DAILY READING

Acts 4:13-31
This weekend’s reading: Genesis 22:1-19

FIELD NOTES

As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends and told them what the high priests and religious leaders had said. Hearing the report, they lifted their voices in a wonderful harmony in prayer: “Strong God, you made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them … while they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence.

The African-American spiritual came quickly to mind as I read this story about Peter and John!


There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul

Sometimes I feel discouraged
And think my work’s in vain
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again

Don’t ever feel discouraged
For Jesus is your friend
And if you lack of knowledge
He’ll ne’er refuse to lend

If you cannot preach like Peter
If you cannot pray like Paul
You can tell the love of Jesus
And say, “He died for all”.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

  • When have you felt the movement of the Holy Spirit?
  • What was your response?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

  • What are some ways you would describe the presence of God in the world?

PRAYER

O Great Spirit,
whose breath gives life to the world,
and whose voice is heard in the soft breeze:
We need your strength and wisdom.
Cause us to walk in beauty. Give us eyes
ever to behold the red and purple sunset.
Make us wise so that we may understand
what you have taught us.
Help us learn the lessons you have hidden
in every leaf and rock.
Make us always ready to come to you
with clean hands and steady eyes,
so when life fades like the fading sunset,
our spirits may come to you without shame.  Amen.
(Native American prayer)