5.18.25 | 5th Week of Easter

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Prayer Rooms this week:

  • Today – 9am | 12 Bassett Street or on Zoom
  • Tuesday – 7:30am | 12 Bassett Street
  • Wednesday – 7pm | 12 Bassett Street | “Heart”

Opening Prayer

Almighty ever-living God, constantly accomplish the Paschal Mystery within us, that those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism may, under your protective care, bear much fruit and come to the joys of life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Scripture: Acts 1:1-8

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

For Prayer

Read the passage again, slowly. Pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is breathing on or highlighting as you read. Begin praying from that place.

Ask the Lord:

  • Pray upward: How does this scripture leading me to praise God or give Him thanks?
  • Pray inward: How does this scripture reveal sin in my life or the lives of others or bringing conviction? How is it calling for repentance, a change of heart and mind?
  • Pray outward: How does this scripture lead me to pray for God’s Kingdom to come in my life, home, church, neighborhood, city?

Closing Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.