Veni Sancte Spiritus

WEEK 3: June 8-14

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This week, we will learn how we can tap into the amazing gift and
resource of the Holy Spirit … Who is available to all of us!

Daily Devotionals:

Sunday • June 8

“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” Acts 2:1-4

Christianity is not natural — it is supernatural. Christianity challenges the idea that this life is all there is. Christianity is all about God’s kingdom invading earth. It is a mission from God to rescue his children, lost at the fall in the Garden of Eden.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit began the movement of the Church by filling and activating the disciples to continue the mission of Jesus. They saw tongues of fire appear, heard a rushing wind, and were able to speak foreign languages.

We have access to the same Spirit who will enable us in mighty ways to do the work of proclaiming and demonstrating the supernatural kingdom of God. Spend some time today asking the Holy Spirit to activate your gifts to boldly carry out the mission of Jesus.

Monday • June 9

“Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language...yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” - Acts 2:5-8, 11

What just happened? Galileans were not considered to be the most educated folks of the time. Yet all the pilgrims understood what the disciples were saying, in their own language. The disciples of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit who enabled them to speak languages they hadn’t spoken previously. Why? They were filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and revelation of God’s story of salvation. They couldn’t contain their joy of the good news of salvation. They had to tell of God’s mighty deeds, to give glory to God but also to preview what God was planning to do.

When God touches us through the Holy Spirit, the person and story of Jesus become personal. The joy of his love for us becomes irrepressible. We can’t help but share it. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with a fresh awareness of who Jesus is and what he thinks of you. If you are able to and have an opportunity, share your joy with someone else.

Tuesday • June 10

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 1 Cor 12:4-7

God has provided us many gifts through the Holy Spirit to do the daunting task of spreading his gospel. The nine gifts listed in 1 Corinthians are generally forgotten; yet these are the very tools that are given to all baptized Christians to actually do the work of Christ. The gifts of revelation are words of wisdom, knowledge, and discernment of spirits. Peter’s vision of a blanket full of unlawful food was a word of wisdom to welcome Gentiles into the kingdom of God. Peter’s knowing that two leaders were lying about the sum of their profits was a word of knowledge, something he couldn’t have known except by God’s revelation. Discernment of spirits is the gift of knowing the source of a thought, word, or action.

Think for a few minutes if you have ever had a word of wisdom, the perfect thought of what to do that surprised even you; a word of knowledge, an idea you couldn’t have known on your own or discernment of spirits, holy or otherwise. Ask the Holy Spirit if you have been given this gift to use for the spreading of the gospel and how to develop it.

Wednesday • June 11

To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another variety of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. I Cor 12:8-11

The gifts of speech from the Holy Spirit are prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. The gift of tongues has a few different applications. At Pentecost, it was the ability to communicate in a foreign tongue; but, often in the New Testament, new Christians were given the gift of tongues, which Paul calls the “tongues of angels” and which the Church Fathers called “jubilation.” It is a special, joyful prayer language that edifies the praying person and sounds unintelligible to the natural world. The interpretation of tongues is a gift given to understand what someone else is saying while praying in tongues. The gift of prophecy is given to build up, encourage, and comfort and it usually applies God’s word to a situation with those ends in mind. Paul said to “pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially the gift of prophecy” (1 Cor 14:1). The Holy Spirit gives prophecy to let people know God loves them and cares for them in a real, personal, applicable way.

Ask the Holy Spirit about the gifts of speech listed here. Ask for an understanding of the purpose or function of these gifts.

Thursday • June 12

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation…and these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues…they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18

Today is the feast of Anthony of Padua, known for irresistible homilies, miracles, and healings. Those deeds came from saying “yes” to the Holy Spirit. The final group of gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are called the gifts of power. They demonstrate that God is God and He is powerful. They are faith of God, healing, miracles, and deliverance from evil spirits.

The faith of God is the mustard-seed faith Jesus mentioned. It is not our faith for salvation; rather, it is the unshakeable faith that God can move mountains. Jesus saying, “Stretch out your hand” to a person with a withered hand is that kind of faith. The gift of healing is a supernatural action to restore a person’s body, mind, or spirit (as it will be in the kingdom of God). People being healed from disease, anxiety, and pain all testify to the care, love, and power of God. Miracles are healings on steroids. Creative miracles happen when missing organs are regrown or blind eyes have pupils or retinas restored. These miracles are often categorized by medicine as “misdiagnoses” because they do not conform to nature or reason. These gifts demonstrate that Jesus is indeed alive and active in our world and they give glory to the Father.

It can be easy to dismiss these because we have a culture of cynicism. Have you heard of someone receiving healing or a miracle? Would you like to see the power of God demonstrated in a real way? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what only He can do.

Friday • June 13

Brothers and sisters, we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. -2 Cor 4:7

People often react to the news that God wants to use them to reach those outside the body of Christ by saying things like, “I’m not holy enough,” or “I can’t do ministry, I have my own issues to deal with.” The reality is that we all have fallen short of the glory of God. God doesn’t call the Qualified; He qualifies the Called. We all need to grow, forgive, let go, What God wants is for us to trust Him, say “yes,” and begin an awesome adventure co-working with Him. He has given us amazing gifts to use in the vital work of salvation for his glory, so that the world can truly know the love and devotion of our Heavenly Father. Our weaknesses prove two things — that we need God and that it’s His power working through us.

If you think that you are not worthy to do this work, brush up on the disciples of Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to remove this obstacle from your mind and heart and fill you with the truth of your identity, authority, and calling in Jesus. Ask Him to help you identify which gifts He wants you to use and to provide opportunities to use them.

Saturday • June 14

For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Romans 15:18-19

Paul understood that everything he did was Jesus at work in him, doing the work. He preached the good news of salvation and the kingdom of God with words and he demonstrated it with the power of God. He calls this “fully” preaching the gospel. For centuries, the body of Christ has solely relied on preaching to spread the gospel. Our world, however, is increasingly becoming one that is focused on “experience.” The need to have an experience of God is crucial; gratefully, we are equipped by the Holy Spirit to show the love of God. “For creation eagerly awaits the revelation of the children of God” (Romans 8:19).

Take a few minutes to thank God for his gifts. Ask Him for a next step to take in fully preaching the gospel of Christ.

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Opening Prayer:

Father, we can’t really learn anything when our mouths are open! Help us as we experience our 3rd week to remember to embrace silence in our lives so we can hear Your voice. We recognize the brokenness in us and around us in this world. We need the Holy Spirit, the Restorer, to heal us and build us up. We need an advocate. We need to surrender to Your guidance and wisdom. We are ready to listen with open hearts.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Video: Watch Week 3 Video

Questions for Dialog and Consideration:

1. Which one of the hindrances to being filled with the Holy Spirit resonated most with you? Why?
(a) lack of knowledge (b) pride (c) fear of man (d) worldly mindedness (e) lack of faith

2. Which of the keys, to being filled with the Holy Spirit, challenges you the most? Why?
(a) desire to live a life that pleases God (b) willingness to fully surrender your life to Jesus (c) confessing every sin the Holy Spirit calls to your mind and a willingness to change

3. In the “Command” in Ephesians 5:18, what other things do we fill ourselves with other than the Holy Spirit?

4. What do you think about the “Promise” in 1 John 5:14-15 as it relates to being filled with the Holy Spirit?
“And this is the confidence that we have toward God, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him.”

5. Which of the “Circles” that Frank shared spoke the most to you? Why?

6. What is the most significant thing you learned about during this series?
(a) who the Holy Spirit is (b) what the Holy Spirit does (c) how to be filled with the Holy Spirit

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

We would like to close our time together with the suggested prayer of faith that Gayle shared at the end of today’s video. Let us pray.

Closing Prayer:

Father, I need you. I have sinned against you and I thank you that you have forgiven my sins through Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross.

Jesus, I need you. Thank you for taking the cost of my sin and I invite you to take control of my life.

Holy Spirit, I need you. In faith I ask you to fill me and equip me to live a life that would bear Your fruit.

Veni Sancti Spiritus - Come Holy Spirit

Amen

WEEK 2: June 1-7

Veni Sancte Spiritus - Week 2 Video

Download this Week's Gathering Materials

Download this week's Daily Devotionals

This week, we explore how the Holy Spirit wants to work through us
to make a positive impact on the world.

Daily Devotionals:

Sunday • June 1

Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the cityuntil you are clothed with power from on high.”Luke 24: 46-49

Why did the disciples of Jesus need to be “clothed with power from on high”? They had already been baptized with water, which removed the stain of original sin and made them co-heirs with Christ. They had already consumed the Bread of Life that gives life to the soul. Why did they need power? In short, they needed power for the same reasons we do — to become more like Jesus in character and to continue his mission.

What was Jesus’ mission? “To seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10) and “proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43).To continue this mission on our own human power isn’t difficult; it’s impossible. That’s why Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit, so that we can carry out the mission of reconciliation and restoration with his power. Jesus never intended us to follow him on our own strength alone. Have you been trying to live out your faith on your own power? Ask the Holy Spirit to clothe you with his power.

Monday • June 2

While meeting with them, [Jesus] enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5

To be “clothed with power” is to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This baptism is different from the one we received for salvation, which made us right with God and made us his adopted sons and daughters. At our water baptism, in addition to our identity in Christ, we are given gifts of the Holy Spirit. When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are sealed and strengthened with the Holy Spirit. In baptism of the Holy Spirit, we are filled with the power of God, which stirs up and activates the gifts we already have. It serves as a spiritual catalyst to using those gifts to help the Church and bring the good news of God’s Kingdom to those not in it.

This baptism contains three primary effects: a deep revelation of the love of the Father, a joyful acceptance of the Lordship of the risen Jesus, and the ongoing filling of the Holy Spirit and his gifts. It moves us from a faith of conviction to a faith of experience. We begin to experience the love of Jesus in a more intense, personal, and real way. If you would like to experience the love of Jesus in a fresh, personal, truly life-changing way, ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life in a totally new way today.

Tuesday • June 3

Paul traveled through the interior of the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:2-3, 5-6

Most of us could say that we have heard of the Holy Spirit. And many of us could say, if we’re honest, that the Spirit is not really relevant to us. We learned about the Spirit at some point on our Christian journey, but apart from a few appearances in the Gospels, the Holy Spirit doesn’t seem to stand out much. The Spirit seems to fade into the background.

The truth is that the Holy Spirit is referred to in the New Testament as the “power of God.” The word for this power is “dunamis,” which is the root of our words, “dynamite” and “dynamic.” When Christians are baptized in the Holy Spirit, they are activated and unleashed to do the same amazing things that Jesus did. It is due to the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian that the Kingdom of God can be proclaimed and demonstrated.

Spend some time in quiet before the Lord and ask him to show you the Spirit’s power in your life. Our Heavenly Father is waiting for us to ask for more of his Spirit in our lives.

Wednesday • June 4

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. -Galatians 5:22, 25

What does it look like to “live by the Spirit”?When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we are clothed with power to see ourselves in light of our goal, to look more and more like Jesus. We are given the power to bear his image with more clarity and purity. The love of Jesus is so attractive and magnetic that it pulls us away from our natural tendencies and our flaws and leads us toward his heart.

When we receive the Holy Spirit into our lives in an intentional way, we realize that this is all about God’s love. We can love the unlovable people in our lives. We can be filled with peace in the midst of turmoil. We can be patient with toddlers and teenagers. We can be kind toward grumpy co-workers or neighbors. Being guided by the Spirit is to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in all situations and in all interactions.

Stop and be still for a few moments. Ask the Holy Spirit where he is leading you today. Look for the fruit of the Spirit throughout your day.

Thursday • June 5

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” – John 17:20-23

Jesus prayed for all his disciples, current and future. He prayed for unity, that all disciples would be united with Jesus and the Father. The Holy Spirit is the one who enables us to be unified with the Father and Son as we think with the mind of Christ, love with the heart of Christ, and work with the power of Christ (the Holy Spirit). This unity would help the world know and believe that Jesus was sent by the Father to do the work the Father gave him to do. When people look at us, they should be able to see that Jesus is real, he is alive, and we are fulfilling his mission to testify to the Father’s love.

Ask the Holy Spirit how you can be more unified with the Father and Son and help the people around you believe in Jesus.

Friday • June 6

Let the one who thirsts come forward, and the one who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water. -Rev 22:17

Are you thirsty? Temperatures are starting to rise and some days it seems we can’t get enough water. Life can leave us thirsty, too. We can be parched in our heart or spirit and look to people or things to quench our thirst. The problem is that they merely whet our desire for more. We were made for more.

What we thirst for is the life-giving water of the Holy Spirit. This water purifies our heart, renews our mind, and restores our soul. It never runs dry. With the Holy Spirit, there is always more.

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you today. Allow yourself to soak in his presence and be refreshed by the power of his love. Ask for more.

Saturday • June 7

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38

What does it mean to flow? Jesus lived his life in the flow of the Holy Spirit. He did everything the Spirit led him to do. He knew what the Father’s will was for him. At the end of his earthly ministry, he declared that he had accomplished all he had set out to do. Jesus modeled this Spirit-filled life for us. One of his strongest habits was to make time to be alone with the Father and the Spirit in prayer. He developed that relationship though time together.

If we want to know what the Holy Spirit is saying to us, we have to make time for him. Prayer is not meant to be a monologue or a litany of requests. God cares for our needs, but this relationship is meant to be the ultimate friendship and partnership. Prayer is a conversation of love and trust between a Father and his beloved child. In good human conversations, one person listens as the other speaks. The same goes for prayer.

Today, have a conversation with your Father and ask for the help of the Holy Spirit. Tell Him your thoughts, cares, and goals. Ask for direction or answers. And then be still. Wait on the Lord. Listen for the still, small voice that will always answer with love, encouragement, joy, and peace.

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Scripture:
Acts 1: 1-11/ Ps 47: 2-3. 6-7. 8-9 (6)/ Heb 9: 24-28; 10: 19-23 or Eph 1: 17-23/ Lk 24: 46-53

Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you sent your only begotten Son into the world to teach us how to live.
He told us many times that He would be going away, but that He would send us the
Advocate, the Comforter, the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit. We have
already received this Spirit on our Baptismal day and again at Confirmation. Help us to
stir that Spirit into a flame of love, joy, patience, kindness and self control. Help us to
activate that Spirit in our lives. Please dispel the obstacles and give us the desire to
seek the spiritual gifts that You offer us!

In Jesus name, Amen.

Video: Watch Video

Questions for Dialog and Consideration:

Can you relate to having all the pieces of the spiritual or faith puzzle, but not knowing how they all fit together?
When you read Acts 1:8, what strikes you about the Holy Spirit and the power that is promised?
When you consider all the things the Holy Spirit does (speaks, teaches, guides, convicts, commands, helps, performs miracles, regenerates us, seals us in Christ, guarantees our inheritance, baptizes us, dwells in us, fills us, etc.), what are the top two or three things that jump out at you?
We are told in scripture that if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, He will give us a hunger for God’s word. Have you ever had “hunger and/or thirst” for God’s word?
When you read Ephesians 5:18, what jumps out at you about being filled with the Holy Spirit?
According to Acts 1:8, the Holy Spirit will give us the power to be a witness for Jesus. Who would you like the Holy Spirit to give you the courage and power to witness to?

Closing Prayer:
Father, we can’t be a witness to Your Glory without the power given to us by the Spirit. We need to activate that Spirit in our lives. Help us to get out of our comfort zone where we can grow and welcome the Spirit. . We are ready for our lives to be shaken. He is always faithful and always ready to teach us everything. Help us Father, to be willing and eager to accept His gifts so we can grow Your kingdom on earth!

In Jesus name, Amen

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.

WEEK 1: May 25 - May 31

Veni Sancte Spiritus - Week 1 Video

Download this Week's Gathering Materials

Download this week's Daily Devotionals

This first week, we will learn why we need the Holy Spirit and
we’ll explore the challenges we might face as we do so.

Daily Devotionals:

Sunday, May 25, 2025

“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” —John 14:26

Why did the Father send an Advocate to us? Why did he think it necessary for us to have the Holy Spirit in our lives? “Advocate” comes from the Greek word “Parakletos” and it means “one who is called alongside.” Jesus preached and demonstrated the kingdom and power of God over and over to his disciples. But he knew human limitations. He knew that they would need help remembering how to follow his example and knowing the best thing to do or say to continue his work.

When Jesus gave the Great Commission, to proclaim the Kingdom of God and baptize people into the Kingdom, he meant for us to do that with the power of the Holy Spirit active in us. That same world-transforming power of God that worked miracles of healing, deliverance, and salvation is given to us to transform our world and establish God’s kingdom in our lives.

Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to increase His presence in your life today and to help you be more aware of His presence. That is the reason He was sent.

Monday, May 26, 2025

“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” —John 14:26

Before Pentecost, when the Apostles were waiting as Jesus had instructed, they were still grappling with all that had happened. They still didn’t fully understand how the Scriptures and the Law were fulfilled in Christ’s death. They were hiding from the authorities and mourning the death of Jesus. When the Holy Spirit came upon them, they were at once filled with the fire of God’s love, which led them to want to teach others about God and the good news of His Kingdom. The Holy Spirit taught them the entire story of salvation and taught them how to proclaim it.

The Holy Spirit teaches us about Jesus, and there is always more to learn about His love. That love is the basis for every good thing we think and do. The Holy Spirit is an excellent teacher.

Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you something new about God’s love. Today, ask for help to see God’s love in a new way in your life, your family, and your work.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” — John 14:26

The Advocate, who is “called alongside,” has come to help us in this life. One way is to show us how to be more like Jesus and do the work Jesus did. That requires transformation. With the Apostles it was a radical, instant transformation — sorrow turned into joy, confusion turned into comprehension, fear turned into boldness.

Sometimes it happens like that. But, more often, transformation is a gradual, steady process. With the Holy Spirit’s help, anxiety can turn into trust, despair can turn into hope, broken relationships can be healed, and impossible situations can be solved. The Holy Spirit is sent to help you in real, tangible ways in your life.

Is there an area of your life you would like to see transformed? Invite the Holy Spirit into that space, allowing full access to the situation. Ask for His Peace while you wait for Him.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Jesus said to his disciples:

"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth."

—John 16:12-13

Jesus had infinitely more to tell about God the Father, but He knew that it would be too much. The Apostles had not been fully baptized in the Holy Spirit and would not have been able to understand without the Advocate’s help. Jesus said the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, who will “guide you to all truth.” There is Truth, and we can know it. It is not relative; it is real. How refreshing in our current postmodern climate!

One truth that we Christians need to revisit is that of our identity and authority in Christ. At Baptism, we died and rose again with Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin, but sons and daughters of God. We have the authority of Christ to proclaim the Kingdom of God and demonstrate His power and love and truth.

Today, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal more of His truth in your life, especially your identity in Christ, as a son or daughter of God.

Thursday, May 29, 2025

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.
—Ephesians 1:17

The Advocate, our Helper, comes to us to give us wisdom and revelation, resulting in knowledge of Him. There is no greater thing than to know God and to be known by Him. St. Francis of Assisi prayed, “Who are you, Lord, my God and who am I?” He prayed this prayer often, not because he never got an answer, but because the answer got deeper and deeper.

There is no end to knowing God, just glory upon glory. When we start to realize who God is, we will gain wisdom. Wisdom is knowing how to live and act rightly according to God. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and revelation to see what God is doing in your life.

Friday, May 30, 2025

Psalm 139 says, “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.” What is God thinking about? For one thing, you! You bear the image of God and the identity of Jesus.

Many Christians have an identity crisis. They don’t know who they are. They don’t know whose they are. Once we begin to understand who God is, we can begin to understand who we are. A partial reason for this identity crisis is the deception that we are not worthy of God’s love. Our hearts may be hardened by wounds, sin, and regret. But Jesus declared that we are worthy of His very life. He made us worthy on the cross. The Holy Spirit helps us by enlightening the “eyes of our heart” to really see the Father’s love for us and the riches of glory we inherited in Jesus and have access to now. As the father in the parable of the prodigal son said to his older son, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.”

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the Father’s heart for you today. Ask him to fill you with the hope that belongs to His call.

Saturday, May 31, 2025

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones,
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe,
in accord with the exercise of his great might:
which he worked in Christ,
raising him from the dead
—Ephesians 1:17-20

How did Jesus do all the mighty deeds he did on Earth? He didn’t do it with his own divinity; He had emptied himself to take on the form of a servant. He healed the sick, blind, deaf, brokenhearted, outcast, unloved, and lost through the power of the Holy Spirit. When John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, the heavens were ripped open and the Holy Spirit descended upon him. It was after this anointing that Jesus worked miracles, deliverance, and healing.

Jesus proclaimed that he was sent to save the lost and, by doing so, establish the Kingdom of God. He preached this good news of salvation and then actually showed it through mighty deeds, through the “exercise of his great might.” Have you witnessed the surpassing greatness of his power? The Holy Spirit is sent to help us continue Jesus’ work and demonstrate the surpassing greatness of God’s power and love to our world, which is in desperate need of Him.

Holy Spirit, come into my life in a new, fresh way. Kindle in my heart the fire of your love. Give me more of your Spirit, Lord. Amen.

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Scripture:
Acts 15: 1-2. 22-29/ Ps 67: 2-3. 5. 6. 8 (4)/ Rv 21: 10-14. 22-23/ Jn 14: 23-29

Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you sent your only begotten Son into the world to teach us how to live. He told us many times that He would be going away, but that He would send us the Advocate, the Comforter, the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit. We have already received this Spirit on our Baptismal day and again at Confirmation. Help us to stir that Spirit into a flame of love, joy, patience, kindness and self control. Help us to activate that Spirit in our lives. Please dispel the obstacles and give us the desire to seek the spiritual gifts that You offer us!

In Jesus name, Amen.

Video: Watch Video

Questions for Discussion:

When you think about the Holy Spirit, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
What do the following verses reveal about the Holy Spirit? Genesis 1:2, John 16:
When you consider that the Holy Spirit is God and that He is—(a) Eternal, (b) all
powerful, (c) all knowing, and (d) everywhere present, what does that mean to you?
When you consider that the Holy Spirit is a Person, who can be—(a) obeyed, (b) lied
to, (c) resisted, (d) grieved, (e) quenched, and/or (f) insulted, what comes to your
heart and mind? Which one do you struggle with the most?
Which “nickname” of the Holy Spirit (Comforter, Helper, Counselor, Paraclete,
Advocate, Guide, etc.) do you like the best?
What is the most significant thing you learned about the Holy Spirit today?

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank you so much for sending us the Spirit that is ALWAYS within us! We need to be guided by the Spirit of Truth in our world today! Help us to allow the Spirit to lead us outside our comfort zone. Help us to find the time and put a margin of silence in our busy schedules so we can hear His voice. Dispell the obstacles of our ignorance and indifference that blocks progress in our spiritual life. We are ready to be taught ‘All things”!! Help us to be Spirit filled.

In Jesus name, Amen

Intersessions for the Group: Take some time before the gathering concludes to pray together for the group members.