Devotion
Is The Holy Spirit Working In Your Life?
Frances Taylor
Answering this question implies that you look for the Holy Spirit's action in your life! So, take a few minutes and think about the past week or two. What opportunities have you had to help someone? What gifts of yours have been called upon? Did a friend or relative need a shoulder to lean on? Have you had to make any serious decisions lately? What moments of sheer joy have you experienced? Did you receive an answer to prayer? These are all examples of places where the Holy Spirit is present. We don't always recognize the Spirit. The disciples of Jesus had an experience of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost that changed not only their lives but ours as well. Without their witness and the witness of those that came after them, we would never have known about the saving act of Jesus. We would still be fearful of suffering death believing that that was the end, that there was nothing and no one waiting for us in the afterlife. We will probably never have so profound an experience of the Spirit as they did, but that doesn't mean that the Holy Spirit isn't present in our lives. When we share our experiences of God, when we open ourselves to others we are also witnesses that can give others hope. Where is the Holy Spirit present in your life? The Spirit is present; all we need to do is look.
Prayer
Come Holy Spirit, fill us with the joy and understanding with which you gifted your disciples on Pentecost and came to us at Baptism. Help us to appreciate this gift and give us the courage of the apostles to testify to our faith. Amen.
Night Prayer
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
You are a Temple of The Holy Spirit
Frances Taylor
This is a hard saying in today's world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you're famous enough, on twitter, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to "Thou shalt not commit adultery?" I guess I'm old fashioned. I'm not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don't understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I'm aware that women have often ...
Morning Prayer
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Inspiration
Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer
You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
