Daily Worship

Re: Claiming

Neil MacLennan January 18, 2025 0 0
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Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (NRSVA)

15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’

21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’

From: John the Baptiser
Subject: Re:claiming [Out-of-office reply]

Hi there,

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

Thanks for writing. I’m afraid I’m likely not the person you’re looking for so I’m returning this message to you. You’re probably looking for the Christ, the Messiah? 

— Yeah. That’s not me.

No need to re-send your message though, He will already be trying to reach you. Look out for Him.

John

 

Prayer:

 

Holy Spirit, open my eyes, ears and all the senses to hear from you. Then, I will respond with an almighty “YES”! 

I believe, and I want to belong. Re:claim me as one of your own, into your kingdom and with all the saints. 

 

I am attuned and aligned (calibrated) to your purposes here on earth. I commit myself to worship and endeavour in the advancement of your kingdom. I pray for the saints — every member of your church, present and past. I am ready to be reconfigured so that I may better be equipped to praise, serve and support the church. Preserve and protect my comings and goings, activities and passions, cares for others and of myself so that my part in the church universal may be complete. Finally, bring me, at the last, into the heavenly realms as you claim me as one of your own.

 

Amen.