Verse
[Jesus said,] "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Thought
James told early followers of Jesus that they lacked many things in their spiritual walk with the Lord because they did not ask for them or because they asked with the wrong motives (James 4:1-3). So often we fail to have the blessing of the Holy Spirit in our lives because we don't ask for the Spirit. God longs for us to request the Spirit's presence and power, but the Father is not going to force the Spirit's influence into our lives. He wants us to request the Spirit and to submit to the Spirit's leading and direction in our lives. So let's ask the Father for the Spirit!
Prayer
Almighty God, my loving Father, I thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit given to me when I came to Jesus. Yet, dear Father, as I face the challenges of temptation, deal with grief and loss, face challenges that are overwhelming to me, and seek to bless your children, I confess that I need to be able fully to recognize and access the power and presence of your Holy Spirit in my life. Please fill me with your Spirit and show me how to use his blessing and guidance. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
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