“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? … How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:11–13
Heavenly Father, on this August Sunday, we take Jesus’ point very seriously. You joyfully and generously extend the ministry of the Holy Spirit to us—when we’re famished, faltering, fearing, failing, or trying to figure out what to do next. Thank you!
You’ve already re-birthed us through your Spirit, sealed us with the Spirit, and indwell us by your Spirit. We love fish and eggs, but, Father, we’re craving/needing a fresh work of your Spirit.
Among the weeds of our cancel-culture, grow such a robust bumper crop of the Spirit’s fruit, it will choke out the meanness, spite, and rancor. Individually, turn up the volume of your Spirit in our hearts, declaring our belovedness as your children (Rom. 8:16). Let us hear you singing to us and over us so clearly, it will drown out the noise, naysaying, and nonsense we are subjected to constantly.
By your Spirit, may we take Jesus’ great love and sovereign rule, more seriously than ever. Surely, that will make us a bit less reactive, fragile, and afraid. Father, like baby robins, we open our whole being wide to your Spirit’s work. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ lovely and loving name.