May 16, 2024

Stories of the Spirit

Kevin Henderson | Read John 15:26-27 , Read John 16:4-15

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

May 13–19, 2024

Scripture Overview

This week’s readings remind us of the powerful role of God’s Spirit. For many Christians, the Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity we understand the least. In the book of Acts, the Spirit empowers the apostles on Pentecost to speak in other languages and, in so doing, initiates the establishment and missional reach of the church to the wider world. The psalmist uses a wordplay on ruach, the Hebrew word for breath or spirit, to teach us that God’s Spirit was present at the Creation and is necessary for the ongoing survival of all life. Paul writes that God’s Spirit confirms that we are children of God and can approach God with confidence, not fear. Even the disciples feel uncertain about what will happen when Jesus leaves, so John provides Jesus’ assurance that God will remain with them and with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 2:1-21. How often do you take solace in praying in private? Or are you more inclined to move to take action in the public square without praying first? Which site is the more comfortable for you?
Read Psalm 104:24-34, 35b. Where have you seen evidence of nature’s resources being spent? How can you help?
Read Romans 8:22-27. How consequential is it to you to acknowledge that God prays for us and the world? Why?
Read John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15. What instructions do you wish Jesus had left for you?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Whenever I read this portion of John’s Gospel, I try to put myself in the shoes of the disciples. Jesus has been saying good-bye for a while. How frightful it must have been! Their time with this charismatic teacher and healer—the worker of signs—is almost at its end. While scripture...

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Reflect on how the presence of the Spirit in our lives impacts who we are and how we live.

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