Come, Holy Spirit, Come
Becky Savage of Lee’s Summit, MO, USA
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. -John 14:15-17
In July 2012, 150 women gathered for the first Women Leaders Conference in the mountains above San Pedro Sula, Honduras. They came from small villages and large cities, from Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. They ranged from teenagers to women in their eighties. There were single women, mothers, and professionals. It was a remarkable group of dedicated and gifted women.
Several younger women danced to the theme song played and sung by a band specially formed for the conference. The planners spent months designing decorations and ordering supplies, chairs, tables, water, and food. They brought everything onto the rented grounds to prepare the place for the women.
The preparations made the place look wonderful. The planners converted a large pavilion into a sanctuary filled with butterflies. Butterflies were on the banner, tables, pillars, hanging mobiles, and two centering posters.
As guest minister, I was dependent on simultaneous interpretation by Geri Macias. When interpretation is needed, there is greater complexity, leaving only half the time for effective ministry.
When Geri and I arrived, we walked into the pavilion filled with joyful women and a powerful Spirit of love and gracious peace. The Holy Spirit’s abiding presence enhanced the experience. Each woman left with a butterfly, taken from the centering posters, to symbolize God’s continuing presence in their lives and ministries. The Holy Spirit continues with each one of us.
Prayer Phrase
“Attention is the beginning of devotion” (Mary Oliver).
Spiritual Practice
Holy Attention
Engaging in the practice of holy attention allows us to suspend our inner conversations and agendas and give reverent and receptive focus to a specific person or portion of God’s creation. Regarding another as an unrepeatable miracle whose life journey is unique and sacred brings awareness to and affirmation of God’s presence in all creation. We do this in the spirit of Christ who saw into the deep hearts of people and recognized their true identities as God’s beloved. Spend time this day in prayerful attention to God’s creation, to the people in your life, and to your daily surroundings.
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.
