Opening Prayer
Breathe in me, Holy Spirit, that I may think what is holy.
Move me, Holy Spirit, that I may do what is holy.
Attract me, Holy Spirit, that I may love what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may guard what is holy.
Guard me, Holy Spirit, that I may keep what is holy.
—St. Augustine, 354-430
TEXT
John 14:25-31 ESV
“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.”
Closing Prayer
Holy Spirit, come. Come into my house and make it your home. Take inventory of what you find here, and help me to see what needs to be removed to the curb. Show me what beliefs I hold that are at odds with You. Point out those little things that go unseen by me, but that cause you to cringe, then Holy spirit, when the clearing is done, move in and fill those empty places so that the Ruler of the World will find no refuge here.