Baptism In The Holy Spirit - Twelve

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

 No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the holy Spirit.

Now in regard to spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be unaware. You know how, when you were pagans, you were constantly attracted and led away to mute idols. Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the spirit of God says, “Jesus be accursed.” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 

• To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; 
• to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 
• to another faith by the same Spirit; 
• to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; 
• to another mighty deeds; 
• to another prophecy; 
• to another discernment of spirits; 
• to another varieties of tongues; 
• to another interpretation of tongues. 

But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

PRAYER FOR GRACE:

Jesus my Lord, I confess to you and to all the world my need for your presence in my life. I am alone and in darkness without you. I am influenced and controlled by the many forces that surround me. Even though I struggle against them, it is sin that so easily dominates my life. Who can save me but you alone, my Lord and my God. Deliver me from the Evil One. Touch my life with that power which flows from your resurrection. Cause your Holy Spirit to be born in me anew. Prince of Peace and Lord of Glory reign now in my heart. Baptize me with your Holy Spirit and Fire. Raise me up to a New Life in you.

POINTS TO CONSIDER AS YOU PRAY:

• The gifts are spiritual, yet real, discernible, and not merely one's natural ability.
• The gifts are given to individuals, but they are meant to be used for the benefit of the whole Body, the Church.
• We all have a vocation, a calling from God. Each day will have its special task. Do you know what is your's for today?

REVIEW OF PRAYER: 

• Was there a time in your prayer that evoked a change in the way you were feeling?
• Were you able to picture the event in your imagination?Did you identify with any particular person in the passage?
• Was there anything in your prayer that touched your heart?
• Can you name the feelings you experienced?
• Did you hear the Spirit, in your mind's ear, speaking to you?
• What areas of your personal life seemed to be coming to mind as you prayed?
• Do you have a desire to return again to this passage and prayer?
• Described what you have learned.
• What questions do you now have following your prayer?

Novena To The Holy Spirit - continues

The text for the novena is posted on the page; Novena to the Holy Spirit.

You may also wish to pray the Chaplet For The Grace Of Renewal, also found on the Pages, side bar.

By virtue of our baptism, each one of us is given a part in the work of the Church, the building up of God's Kingdom on earth. We all have a job to do, and a responsibility to complete the work God has given us. The Spirit gives us the tools we need, and guides us in the ways to best fulfill our calling. Therefore, pray to know your specific task each day. Ask the Holy Spirit for the tools, the gifts you will need - they will be given.

You are strangers and aliens no longer. No, you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape as a holy temple in the Lord; in him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22