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.

Reflection: Wind: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     In our worship community we were asked the question, what is the first thought that comes to your mind for the Holy Spirit? What is yours?

2.     Do you walk in companionship with the Holy Spirit or does He seem unreal to you?

3.     One of the concepts was mystery. Are you comfortable with the Lord’s mystery? Why or why not?

4.     How do you listen for God’s nudges? When are you sure you are hearing correctly?

Share: Do you think we put invisible barriers up against the Spirit? What might they look like?

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.”