praying in spirit and in truth (see jn 4:24)
"...Jesus was at prayer after likewise being baptized, the skies opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him." —Luke 3:21-22
On this last day of Christmas, our true Love, Jesus wants to give us the ultimate Christmas present. He wants to renew our baptism "in the Holy Spirit and in fire" (Lk 3:16). For the Spirit to be stirred into flame in our lives (see 2 Tm 1:6-7), we must repent of our sins (Acts 2:38), believe in the Lord (Jn 7:37), and obey Him (Acts 5:32). These are very simple, humanly impossible prerequisites to receiving the Holy Spirit. However, Jesus will miraculously walk us through all the preparations for receiving the Spirit, if we pray as He did before the Spirit descended on Him (Lk 3:21-22).
The Holy Spirit is given to those who pray (Lk 11:13; Acts 2:42; 4:31; 9:12ff; 10:2ff). However, true prayer does not mean that we start praying when we want to start, end when we want to end, and say what we want to say. True prayer is directed by God and not by us. True prayer is being quiet so that God can lead the prayer, instead of our using Him as a sounding board.
If we pray in a God-directed, God-centered, and God-pleasing way, w
Prayer: Abba, thank You for Christmas.
Promise: Jesus "went about doing good works and healing all who were in the grip of the devil, and God was with Him." —Acts 10:38
Praise: Praise Jesus, beloved Son of God! (Lk 3:22)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, July 15, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 17, 2000