Day 5 of 10 Days of Prayer
Day 5 of 10 Days of Prayer, Holy Spirit Connection
By: Zach Sloane
“Holy Spirit Connection”
In Acts 2:41-47 we see that after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and there were gifts and tongues of fire – but most importantly the Holy Spirit came to a group of people who believed in Jesus and gave birth to an amazing community, the church. This church, this body of people began to do things together. They were connected by the Spirit they received, and they moved together with Him.
ACTS 2: 41-47 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Not mentioning this to replicate the form of the early church, but to say that the Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit of Jesus is the same. We don’t want to replicate the form of the 1st century church, but we do want to be open to the move of the same Holy Spirit that they had. He has been poured out, and to walk in step with Him is to also prioritize meeting with people, the body of Christ – because that’s what He prioritizes. We are the body through whom God moves.
Look at what they did and what the Holy Spirit produced:
The three thousand were added to them – people to people connection
Continued steadfastly in fellowship, being together, communion and prayers.
“Now all who believed were together.” God put that in the scriptures.
Had all things in common. They were together to the point of economic reliance on each other. – Not a spiritual socialism, but a statement about the interconnectedness of their lives.
Continued daily in temple and house to house. Sunday and midweek. Both required.
The Lord added to the church – again God establishing people in relationship with other people – not just random believers here and there.
Impact Groups and the opportunity to connect- to meet large on Sunday, small mid-week, not to get Holy Spirit, but because we have Him. Can’t let life choke out His movement and prioritizing of relationship and connection with others in our hearts.
Prayer Points
Thank God for the body of Christ. That we have been added to it.
Pray that because we have received the gift of the Holy Spirit we too at Impact Church would feel the movement of the Holy Spirit prioritizing relationship and connection with other believers.
That each one of us would find a way to get connected with other believers in life-giving ways.
Pray for the launch of Impact Group this fall – for a big harvest of new believers, for great small group experiences where people experience God and enjoy each other in life-giving and life-changing ways.
Pray for the adding to of the church daily. Pray for a vibrant community and corporate life at Impact Church, where Christ’ s love and life is on display through our love for one another and the quality of our relationships.
Community is the genius of Christianity! Thanks you for setting me in the Body Of Christ. The church will fill the earth with Your Glory. You are building this community of love to manifest your goodness in the earth. Thank you Holy Spirit that You are committed to the purpose of the Father in us. Christ in you (plural) the hope of Glory! Bless this season of small groups. Thank you for accelerated growth and salvation. AMEN!!!
Where would we be without you, Holy Spirit in our lives? Show yourself strong in our City, our church, our lives. Release your power in unprecedented ways. May we stand in awe of who you are and what you are doing. Woo so many more to yourself, fill our church, release your plans and purposes. Continue your work in our hearts, in our church, in our City. We are expectant of a move of God within us tomorrow at Impact. And thank you so much for everything…..we are so grateful for you.
Father, thank you for the presence of Holy Spirit in our lives. What a beautiful gift to have the Spirit of Jesus living within in us individually and as a body of believers. Thank you for this amazing family you have given us and for the connections that we have with you and one another. Thank you for our church community and for the honour of sharing and participating in your kingdom every day of our lives. In this season of harvest, let us be infectious in sharing the Good News with our community in London and area. May the beauty of your Spirit shine through us as we connect with others in vibrant and life-altering ways.
Father – we thank you that your eternal agenda, your heart’s cry is to gather, to join, to include whosoever will respond to your free, priceless gift to the world of your Son so we could all be made One with you. In community we find strength, understanding and balance. We find opportunity to serve and minister life to our spiritual family and glorify your Name. It will be through the observed, constant and sacrificial love that we have for one another that the world will know we are Christians. We declare that many will respond to the invitation to be part of our small groups, many will learn firsthand the blessing of fellowship and many will find themselves compelled to become inviters and gatherers to bring those around them within hugging distance of Jesus!
Yes … Amen … Make it so Lord Jesus!!!
Thank you Holy Spirit for everything you do through us. Thank you for community where we can be built up and grow and create a loving environment where new people can come and know you. We declare an explosion of small groups this Fall, that people will get connected and experience you and family like never before! Thank you for a deep level of growth in people’s lives as they get connected in community.
Thank you Father for your family. Thank you for the people that are being added and will be added to your church in London, in South Western Ontario. Help us make room in our lives and our hearts for each other and for these people. Baptize us in your love and affection for one another, and thank you for the promise that You are building your church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Amen!
Thank you for my Impact Family and my AC Family. I pray that more people would have the opportunity to experience THIS community. I pray that I have the opportunity to invite more people to this community. May every single member feel and be completely connected in a life-giving way. Surprise us with more people all of the time. Thank you for a new season of Impact Groups. Help us get ready for this new season and be prepared for an influx of people.
Father I pray you would do it again Lord!
Just as on that day of Pentecost, release your presence again in a greater measure of outpouring than this world has ever seen. Release your grace as we participate in the greatest harvest that the world has ever seen in these days!
May your grace abound!
Praying with you….today ….thanks for you Holy Spirit where would we be without you. We have felt your presence in our lives…..