INVOCATION and READING
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
-Daniel Iverson
Acts 11: 15-17
15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”
1 Corinthians 12: 4-6
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Glory be to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
HYMN REFLECTION
Indeed, the gift is ours! The Holy Spirit lives in us – speaks to us – inspires and motivates us – offering us strength, courage, and hope in all things.
No, I cannot claim flashes of fire or speaking in tongues, but I am learning to listen more deeply for the Holy Spirit working within me. I am always amazed when reading a random quote or bible verse, or hearing someone else’s words, at that little spark of realization that illuminates such a small thing as an answer I’ve been seeking. My internal “noise” is quieted, and I can make some sense of things as I seek my path forward. I have learned that whether the Holy Spirit comes to us in a great flash of fire or in the quietness of thought, we are all given the gift, and
our collective gifts and actions work together in building God’s Kingdom.
I’ve always liked the hymn “Spirit of the Living God” (UMH #393) because its simplicity of text and tune allows an entire congregation to musically call on the Holy Spirit as one body.
It was written in 1926 by Presbyterian preacher and evangelist Daniel Iverson (1890-1977). After listening to a sermon on the Holy Spirit at a revival in Orlando, Florida, it is said that Iverson was inspired to write this song.
I invite you to take a moment to meditate on this wonderfully evocative chorus as you listen for the ways the Holy Spirit speaks to, and inspires you.
PRAYER
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.
– St. Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Offered by Joche Wilmot, Director of Music Ministries