Daily Bread June 09

Receive the Holy Spirit
Ron Harmon, Council of Twelve Apostles


When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. -Acts 2:1-4

I was not prepared for the rush of the Spirit I would experience as I shared with the Glenn Wood Springs, Colorado, Congregation who meet in homes and share weekly in a meal and fellowship together. It had been a long journey visiting congregations on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. This was the last stop before heading to the airport.

Over the years I have experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in many forms. This day it came in the form of radical hospitality and loving community. Deep and meaningful conversation, a table carefully set, a meal lovingly prepared, and open and receptive hearts created the space for the Spirit to do its transformative work. It was a pivotal experience for me as I was reminded of the promise of the Holy Spirit when we gather in sacred community.

Ruth Haley Barton shares, “We can no more be conformed to the image of Christ outside corporate spirituality than a coal can continue to burn outside of the fire.” In this way we begin to see that transformation and community are integrally related” (Life Together in Christ: Experiencing Transformation in Community, InterVarsity Press, 2014, Kindle Locations 124-127).

In the simple elements of hospitality, a meal, the table, prayer, and meaningful conversation I experienced all the dimensions of Christ’s peace that day.

Is the Spirit waiting to blow through our simple gatherings as a mighty rushing wind? Is our future as Community of Christ to be found in simple ancient practices of hospitality, prayer, and conversation?  May we be ready to receive as we gather with open and receptive hearts to one another and the Spirit in loving community.

Prayer Phrase

The kingdom of God is among you (Luke 17:21).

Spiritual Practice

Ordinary Time is a season for waking up to what is already here, to the kingdom of God already among us. Spend time each day breathing in the presence of God wherever you are. Notice how simple interactions, tasks, and relationships are sacred opportunities to share and receive God’s love, justice, and peace. Pay attention to the sacred quality of everyday, ordinary life. How is the kingdom of God seeking to be embodied through you each day?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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