WEATHER ALERT:

Wednesday, February 5, Childcare at Leawood, West, Overland Park will not be open during morning due to local public school systems announcing late arrival schedules.  All church buildings will operate on regular schedule. However, at Leawood, West and Overland Park, programs requiring childcare will not be held prior to noon Wednesday.

IMPORTANT:

On Sunday, February 9, we’re moving our regular 5 pm worship service to 4 pm so everyone can get home in time to watch the Chiefs play in the Super Bowl.

Prayer Tip--Jesus and the Holy Spirit

September 15, 2024
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Daily Scripture

Luke 11:13 (NKJV), John 14:15-17, 25-27 (NRSV) and John 16:13a (NRSV)

[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!”

[Jesus said,] “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you…I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”

Daily Reflection & Prayer

Sometimes as we’re living our day-to-day lives, it can feel like God is far away or even absent. It may be that God isn’t really the focus of our attention as we go about our daily business. Or it may be that things are really difficult right now and we wish that we could feel God’s comforting presence, but we just can’t. Jesus promised those who follow him the gift of the Holy Spirit. He described this Spirit as the Advocate who advocates for us and the Spirit of truth who will lead us to all truth and remind us of the things that Jesus has said.
But how do we engage with this Spirit Jesus says abides with us and is inside us?
Prayer Tip
Here’s a simple prayer tip that will help you take a small step toward a better understanding of how the Holy Spirit engages with you.
As Resurrection, we invite you to pray five times each day. We encourage you to start with the simplest prayer: “Thank you.” You thank God for what you have. You can pray “thank you” in the morning when you rise, “thank you” at breakfast., “thank you” at lunch, “thank you” at dinner, and one more prayer of “thank you” before you go to bed.
For this next week, pick one of those five prayer times and add just a little bit to it. Let’s say you’ve just gotten out of bed and you’re going to pray your first prayer of thanks to God for the day. Pause for just a few seconds, and then start with this prayer: “God, please remind me of the wonderful things you’ve done in my life.”
Then let your mind pass over the previous day, looking for something joyful or exciting that happened in your day. It could be an especially good pastry, a chance encounter with a friend, a business meeting that went well, a conflict-free afternoon nap for your two-year-old, a beautiful sunset you witnessed, or anything else that brought you joy. When you find it, hold it in your mind for just a few more seconds and then pray, “God, thank you for this. It didn’t have to happen, but it did.”
That’s it! I encourage you to give it a try and see what happens.
Prayer
Wonderful and Holy God, thank you for giving us the gift of your Holy Spirit. We know that you are with us now and forever. Even in the darkest valley we don’t have to be afraid because you are with us. Guide us to the truth and help us remember all of the incredible ways you demonstrate your love for us every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GPS Insights

Picture of David Andersen

David Andersen

This week's prayer tip is by David Andersen, who serves as the Leadership Development and Mentoring Ministry Program Director for all Resurrection locations. He is a life-long Kansas City native. He’s been married over 30 years and has two adult sons. He loves composing music, learning new things, writing, running, and creating spaces where people can encounter God.

© 2024 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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