Thy Kingdom Come Prayer Journal

Day 5 - Gives

Reflection

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47 (NRSV)

As Christians we know Pentecost as the

coming of the Holy Spirit on the Church,

but 2000 years ago it was known as the

Jewish festival celebrating the ingathering

of the first fruits of harvest. It was a

festival that attracted people from all

over the known world to Jerusalem: a

beautiful movement of unity in diversity

– displaying God’s great abundance in

the diversity of peoples, languages, food,

and cultures. It is on that day, on those

gathered people that the Holy Spirit was

poured out, so all may hear of Jesus.

That day, Acts tells many were saved and

they lived out their new unity in Jesus

as they broke bread, prayed, worshipped

together, shared everything they had and

provided for those in need.

What incredible generosity – meeting

both the spiritual and material needs of

the people! The Church channeled the

generosity of God and demonstrated His

sacrificial love in their life together.

Today, all over the world, churches are

meeting people at their point of need in

practical life-changing ways: providing

warm hubs in cold cities, food banks for

those struggling with the cost of living,

help with starting micro-businesses, and

reaching out to young people who feel

society has nothing for them.

It isn’t always easy to preach and practise,

to share and serve, to speak out for those

who are disadvantaged or marginalised;

but when we commit to showing the good

news in words and actions, by the power of

the Holy Spirit, there is a glorious witness

to the truth of Jesus. By ourselves, we run

out of strength, patience, or determination;

but as we pray ‘Come Holy Spirit’ we are

open to His abundant life and love, which

makes the impossible possible!

Pause and pray

Take time to pause and

pray for your five people,

that they will come to

know and experience God’s

abundant love.

"Living The Kingdom" Action

In what acts of sharing and

serving might God be calling

you to demonstrate His

abundant love and practical

care during Thy Kingdom

Come?