Reflection: Searches: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     How much do you depend on the Holy Spirit to pray for you?

2.     Does knowing that He prays God’s will bring relief? How?

3.     In what ways might that change your prayers?

Share: How might that change your actions after your prayers?

Searches: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Romans 8: 27

“And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

According to the will of God. What a relief!

When we don’t really know if we are praying with understanding, the Spirit does.

When our prayers are misguided, or misinformed, and can create conflict, the Spirit intercedes. 

When we are discouraged, confused, fearful, and anxious in our prayers, the Spirit comforts and restores.

According to the will of God.

When all we can offer are watered down requests, or mumbled rote words, the Spirit digs deeper to the true heart cries buried under exhaustion and pain. He lifts the real words—real needs up from our murkiness.

When we are lost, the Spirit leads us to hope.

When we are ashamed, the Spirit leads us to forgiveness.

When we are broken, the Spirit leads us to wholeness.

According to the will of God. And His everlasting saving grace.

Lord, please help us to keep praying in trust and remember that Your will is what we truly seek.  Help us to listen to Your Spirit with obedient discernment.

Psalm of Worship: Proverbs 8:26

“When he had not yet made earth and fields, or the world’s first bits of soil.”

Manifold: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:32-33

“This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear.

Witness given.

Spirit poured out as both seen and heard.

No possibility of error or misunderstanding. Concrete evidence by multiple people across a wide spectrum of belief and unbelief, hope and critical. No movie cameras or cell phones to cut and paste, redesign, manufacture, or manipulate for market success.

Power undeniable.

Recognized.

Still present today to be both seen and heard except for the barriers we raise. Are we truly hearing the Spirit’s voice or making up our own version? Is that word from the Lord really meant for me now, or am I being presumptuous?

We manage to excuse and ignore even when we are sure we heard the word spoken. Why? Or make too much noise to hear the Spirit’s whisper.

Manifold witness continues despite our limitations.

His power pours out as promised. Delivered despite our doubts.

Lord, give us courage to listen and to trust and to receive.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:28

“God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’”

Worthy: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

         
           Worthy

           

We measure by

age, influence,

status, riches, as to

whom we consider

approved to deserve

supplications.

Worthy measured by

awe, heart humility

Spirit’s breathe

working through

all servants

slaves and free.

Words poured out in abundance.

Reflection: Bondslaves: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you tend to listen to Scripture advice by some trusted friends but not by others? What marks the difference?

2.     Have you had the opportunity to share truth unexpectedly? Has it helped you to recognize Spirit nudges on other occasions?

3.     Oswald Chambers says, “You may be a mouthpiece for God’s truth; but you cannot nourish the sheep of God unless you are willing to let God use you as broken bread and poured out wine to feed His sheep.”

How does this thought connect with this week’s verse?

Share: Do you feel qualified or not to share God’s word? Why?

Visions: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

           

           Visions

            Holy Spirit poured out

            flowing like water

            over everyone, just as

            Joel prophesied

            new visions—new dreams

            fresh from God’s heart

           

            as a returning sunrise

            brings dawn into day

            so arrives this beginning.

Reflections: Dreams: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Why do we need to Biblically confirm dreams and visions when they come into our lives?

2.     Do you think that sometimes we become so committed to verification that we ruin or manipulate God’s words? How?

3.     How does Paul’s example free us to recognize checks and balances without giving up?

Share: How have you received a confirmation in the past from the Holy Spirit?

Dreams: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:17

“In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”

Just like the Israelites we believe in God’s prophecies and we know there are concrete stories of His revealed plans in visions and dreams. And yet often we hesitate to expect them into our everyday plans or even in quiet retreats for ourselves.

Or we do accept the dreams and visions and then promptly begin to second-guess our interpretation. The path to the vision is not the way we have chosen; it doesn’t seem to be well planned. It really doesn’t make practical sense. We are too young or too old. The cost might be too high.

We have an abundance of worrying barriers that we set up as our litmus test which too often wears us into such weariness that we give up before we even let the match light the fire. We forget that God will break through our ignorance and our misunderstandings.

At the end of his second missionary journey, after a sharp disagreement that separated Paul and Barnabus, Paul, along with Timothy, began a return trip through the towns and cities that had growing churches. However they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia and were not permitted to go to Bithynia. Can’t help but wonder if Paul questioned this sweep of barricades.

And then Paul received a vision of a man in Macedonia appealing for help. “..immediately we sought to go…concluding that God had caused us to preach the gospel to them.” Acts 16:10 NAS

Paul didn’t worry over the closed and opened doors. He just kept moving. His heart was set solidly on going wherever God led him regardless of practicality, presumed common sense, or cost. He had learned to live actively into God’s words—His flow in His time—His vision.

Lord, help us all to see the dreams You inspire, and then, seek Your Spirit to guide us moment by moment.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:17

“God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth,”

Hearts: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:5

“Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.”

In this center of Christ’s circle—the center of His sacrificial grace—all people from all nations under heaven were represented by at least one person.  Did they remember God’s promise to Abraham, “And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

All devout. Ready to receive God’s truth? Ready to receive as did Abraham, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Willing to be heart bound rather than rule bound? An act of faith rather than a commitment to religion.

Jesus had told His listeners after giving them the Beatitudes that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. Yet His way did not look like the structure or edicts the faithful had followed.

Yet still Holy. Holy flames. His light. His fire descending. His words of hope and faith and love.  Staggering.

Lord, please keep our hearts devout in You so that we do not miss Your words or fire in our days.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:5

“God called the light Day and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.”

Gifted: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Gifted

Sudden messengers

gifted by the Spirit

speaking languages

given to each person

startling themselves as well,

granted work of angels

streams of living words

graciously poured out

saturating listeners.

Reflection: Speak: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What are some ways that we can share His words without verbal language?

2.     How can we speak scripture words with love and not condemnation?

3.     Do you think if the special anointing left the followers after that day they continued to share the gospel with enthusiasm? Why or why not?

4.     What are some ordinary ways, or talents, we can ‘speak’ truth when we are available to the Holy Spirit’s use of us.

5.     What gift ability have you been given to speak the Lord’s words?

Share: Have you ever been startled by the Lord’s use of you for another?

Speak: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:4

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the spirit gave them ability.”

All of them—not one was left out.

Other languages—words not known to them before.

As the Spirit gave—a special gifting ability—not of their own making.

Out of hearts filled with prayer and humility waiting—in the Lord’s presence.

Given a task—an ability—a specific work to do that day.

Scripture does not say whether those abilities remained. Whether or not each person now had that particular speech gift to minister and evangelize that language culture after that day. But on that day they all became ambassadors of the Lord.

Lord, please help us to remember to seek Your Spirit daily so that in all our tasks we are available, if or whenever You so choose, to give even a moment—a word. May we not ignore the tasks You give even if they confuse or startle us. Help us to become Your ambassadors whether in silence or in speech. May we live so that Your light pours through us.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:4

“And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.”

Flames: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Flames

Flames that did not burn

tongues like fire

falling on each person present

touch of prayer

fulfilled as promised

trembling with amazement

fearful or frozen

trusting in His presence

faith holding on

to become a blessing

flowing Spirit lights.

Reflection: Fire: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you long for the ‘flames’ of the Spirit to pour down on you or do you hesitate?

2.     How much does sin or guilt or fear keep you from trusting God’s power in your life?

3.     Of what—of whom do we as a body become afraid and allow to keep us from His power of forgiveness?

4.     Like Isaiah, have you been willing to be sent by the Lord?  No matter how small or large a situation?

Share: How has His fire given you courage to act and be a blessing for someone?

Fire: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:3

“Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.”

Flames falling down upon them that did not burn.  Did they think of Moses at the burning bush or were they too frozen in astonishment to process any thoughts?

Feelings, though, we might guess could include shock—amazement—fear—trembling—questions.  Like we do when God suddenly answers a prayer for us or steps in as Protector—Provider—Healer—Lord—Savior.

Don’t we sometimes pray and wait in trust—in faith—and yet are still stunned when the answer comes? Humbled?

Do we recognize holy fear as Isaiah did and realize the extent of our sin? An angel brought a burning coal to the prophet to forgive him. A burning coal from the heavenly altar that he had to carry by tongs—not touch.

“The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light, and to those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned.” Matt 4:16

Jesus spoke these words at the beginning of His ministry and then said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Lord, help us to not become complacent or hesitant as believers, but strengthen us to daily walk in the power of Your fire and live Your words of hope. To be willing to answer Your call.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:3

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light.”

Swept: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Swept

Wind swept

throughout the house

flowing twirling

spinning rush of

power

answered prayer

astonishment

entered suddenly

caught the waiting

by surprise

violent rush

permeating presence.

Wind: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:2

“And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.”

We plan, we prepare, hopefully we pray, and then we wait. Often thinking we know what the answer will be or desire to be. 

But then when it comes it is so sudden we are caught off guard. Expected and yet different. Real and yet unfamiliar.

Fear and awe mingled together.

Because in Your presence Your reality is so unlike our expectations and experience.

So often we hesitate, second-guess, stay blind, because the answer—the changes—are unexpected. Cost more. Raise uncertainty. Remove our crutches.

Struggle to find a solid balance. Spin a cocoon against possible heartache and pain. Then realize we shut out blessings and astonishment and joy as well.

Lord, please give us Your strength to ask in honesty, to wait in trust, and then to step into Your answer with courage. To relinquish fully into Your Holy Spirit’s flame of light and mystery.

Teach us to abide in You.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:2

“The earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.”