Prayer Initiative: Closer to Jesus Sample

When John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, he witnessed the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and remaining on Him. Even before that, John said: "I baptize you with water. But One Who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of Whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” That is why, throughout Jesus’ ministry, there was the expectation that He would eventually give the Holy Spirit to those who followed Him.

Nobody knew when and how that would happen. The disciples must have forgotten about that. On the day Jesus told them it was good He was leaving because He would send them an Advocate, they were filled with grief. They had no idea that in less than two months, tongues of fire would come down from heaven on each of them and fill them with unimaginable power. They were full of fear and confusion and scattered, leaving Jesus alone to endure the cross. Yet Jesus was not alone. The Father was with Him. So He kept encouraging His fearful friends to take heart because He knew He would overcome the world.

Indeed, just as Jesus predicted, the Holy Spirit came. The disciples’ grief turned to joy, and they became witnesses who testified with boldness in Jerusalem, all Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Dear friend, whatever trouble is stealing your peace, remember Jesus’ promise. The Holy Spirit is with you and in you. Ask for His comfort and guidance, and it will be given to you. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Where and how have you experienced the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your life? Praise Him for His work in you and through you. Is there any trouble that is causing worry and fear? Pray according to Philippians 4:6-7. Ask Jesus: ”What do You have in Your Word for me today?” Listen and pray.

INTERCESSION: "He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-7)

PRAYER:

• Pray for a bold and strategic preaching of the Gospel.
• Pray for innovative ideas and initiatives to reach the big cities worldwide.
• Pray for breakthroughs in the Digital Space.
• Pray for Bible translations. About 99,8 million people in the world (1, 268 languages) still need a Bible in their language.
• Pray for new open doors for the Gospel in the 10/40 window.
• Pray for people confessing the main religions of the world – Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, New Age, and other indigenous religions to have their eyes opened and see Who Jesus is.