PrayerBits for Thursday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Thursday

Scripture lesson Acts 2:1-21 Pentecost

Time to reflect: A very familiar story. Three points that sometimes get overlooked: the “gathered” probably included the women mentioned in chapter 1; the passage from Joel, which is quoted from the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, speak of both sons and daughters prophesying; this is not Glossolalia in the traditional sense since everyone was hearing in their own language This is not matter of people being special but of the proclamation of the Gospel. The “in group” was opening the doors to everyone without restriction.

Moving through the day: When do we speak in a language that excludes rather than clearly expressing the Gospel? Pray that God's Spirit descend on today's church so that we speak clearly to all.

Scripture:

He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

The Ascension

 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.