A Prayer of Welcome

Spirit of God you are welcome.

Thank you that I don’t have to beg for you as though you are reluctant to come. You were promised and sent. Father readily gives you to those who ask (Luke 11:13). And He gives without measure (John 3:34). I receive you.

And thank you that I never have to reach a certain level of knowledge or purity to qualify for you. I open myself to all of you—even your cleansing fire (Matt. 3:11). I welcome your conviction of my sin (John 16:8). I’m not afraid. You are specific about what is wrong and you light up the path to health and freedom. It’s the path to more of your limitless presence and fullness.

So come and change me into a new person, like you did Saul (1 Sam. 10:6). Replace my old life with your new life (Rom. 8:1-13). Remove my stony heart and transplant a living, beating heart of flesh (Ezek. 11:19, 36:26-27). Transform and renew my mind so that I think like you and not like the world (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23). Open my eyes to see what Father is doing around me. Be the mind of Christ in me so that I readily respond as Jesus would have done. Give me your words (Mark 13:11; 1 Cor. 2:13). I don’t ask for certain gifts to be mine; you are The Gift (Acts 2:38). Use me as a channel for whatever divine love, truth, or power each person and situation requires. Equip me as your witness (Acts 1:8). Anoint me to bring good news, healing, freedom, and comfort (Isa. 61:1-3). Teach me to exercise your power in your way (Eph. 3:16).

Neither do I ask for certain fruit as though one is better than another. It is not my place to pick and choose parts of you. In fact, you cannot be dissected; you are one. Spring up in me, overflow as a river of living water (John 7:38-39). Yes, even obscure me. Wash away my grime (Tit. 3:5). Flow gentle, clear, and refreshing into the desert around me. Impress and attract others with your beauty. I don’t want you so that I look good—you be glorified (John 16:14).

I am weak and vulnerable. I need you. Sometimes I can’t even pray—intercede for me (Rom. 8:26-27). Poke me when I am tempted to grieve you (Eph. 4:30); stir me before I quench you (1 Thess. 5:19). When idols come knocking, jealously fight for us (Jas. 4:5). Keep reminding me that the ruler of this world has already been judged and his power broken (John 16:11). Teach me to use your sword—the word of God (Eph. 6:17). When rejection and persecution come my way continue to rest on me (1 Peter 4:14). In discouragement and doubt increase your assurance of my adoption as a child of God (Luke 3:22; Rom. 8:14-16).

Spirit of truth, guide me into all truth (John 14:26; 16:13). I open myself to your dreams and visions (Joel 2:28). Use me as you used Daniel, to illuminate your mysteries to others. Remind me that you are always doing something bigger than I can grasp. You are building a God-dwelling of living stones (Eph 2:22). I am just a part. Reveal more to me (Col. 1:9).

I’m excited that I experience you only as a down-payment of what’s to come (2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13). I won’t limit you to a temporary visit—come, abide, increase (John 14:16-17). You are uncontrollable, and that’s Okay. Lift me up and blow me where you will, like a leaf in the wind (John 3:8).

I welcome you.

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