The Spirit Still Given Today
Today’s Verse:
Luke 11:13 ESV
(Jesus said) “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
As we approach the Day of Pentecost, Jesus’ words in Luke 11:13 remind us of the generosity and faithfulness of our heavenly Father. Even earthly parents, flawed though they are, know how to give good things to their children. How much more, then, will God—perfect in love—give us His best gift: the Holy Spirit.
At Pentecost, the promise of the Father was fulfilled. The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles with power, boldness, and clarity to proclaim the saving work of Christ. That same Spirit is still given to us today—through the Word and the Sacraments—bringing us to faith, comforting us in trouble, and equipping us to witness to Christ in our own vocations.
The Holy Spirit is not a gift earned by good behavior or deep spiritual effort. He is given freely, by grace, to all who ask—because Jesus Himself has made us children of the Father through His death and resurrection. So, as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost, we pray: “Come, Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of Your faithful people. Kindle in us the fire of Your love.”
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to Your Church. Fill us with His presence, His power, and His peace. Grant us boldness to proclaim Christ and joy in the salvation He brings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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