Category: Prayers

“Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced.” –Acts 18:9 At the first Christian Pentecost, the Holy Spirit dealt in a magnificent way with tongues. First, the Spirit appeared in the form of “tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:3). The apostles yielded their formerly silent tongues to speak in both native and foreign languages, proclaiming the prophetic Word of God (Acts 2:4ff). Their hearers used their tongues to repent and ask how to be saved (Acts 2:37). Once the Spirit has your tongue, the battle begins. Satan accuses you of being foolish (Acts 2:13) and enflames...

“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.” –John 16:12 Several decades ago, I began my computer programming career. During my first month on the job, so much new information came my way that I left work each day with a headache from information overload. I learned much each day. However, my boss had a great deal more to teach me, and I couldn’t bear it yet. Likewise, schools separate students into twelve grades. High-school subjects are not taught to first-graders; they aren’t mentally ready for that yet. Besides being mentally unable to bear information,...

He “joyfully celebrated with his whole family his newfound faith in God.” –Acts 16:34 The converted jailer immediately shared his faith with his family and joyfully celebrated God’s new life with them. Here are some ways for a family to celebrate their faith in God: anniversaries: celebrating the day each family member received Sacraments, such as Baptism (Acts 16:33-34), First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, etc., patron saints: celebrating the feast day of the patron saint of each family member (or the saint they were named for), monthly Confession parties: the family goes to Confession together and celebrates afterward (e.g. Lk...

“Lord, why is it that You will reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” –John 14:22 Jesus had told His disciples the world would not accept His revelation (Jn 14:17), but He would reveal Himself to His disciples (Jn 14:21). His disciple Jude asked Jesus why He would reveal Himself to the disciples, but not to the world (Jn 14:22). This is a good question. Jesus does reveal Himself to the world, but it doesn’t fully listen to Him. Many listen to Jesus without hearing, and look without seeing (Mt 13:14-15). Those who have received Jesus’ revelation are...