Do you like a good mystery? Mysteries engage the mind as we discern “Whodunit?” This engagement takes many forms. Some of us become afraid and pull the covers up so that we can only peek out over the top. Others, sit on the edge of their seat anxiously awaiting the next clue to try and figure things out. Still others become engaged because their fear factor will not let them turn away. Today I am praying with a mystery of a different kind.
The mysterious movement of the Holy Spirit of God is often a quandary. In fact, I believe that many times we, collectively and individually (myself included) overlook the mysterious power and movement of the Holy Spirit. We dismiss it by coincidences, illogical happenings, restrictive thinking and imagination. After all, how do we really know if it is God or just our own thought process?
Remember Your Baptism
This coming Sunday is the remembrance of Jesus’ baptism. It was a moment when the mysterious movement of the Holy presence of God was poured out. This Sunday remembering Jesus’ baptism is also a grand opportunity to remember our own baptism and seek to notice the mysterious movement of the Holy Spirit. In our prayer time we will ponder what it means to be baptized in Jesus’ name and how the mysterious movement of the Holy Spirit anoints the regular and not so routine days of human life.
Recently many of us watched the horrific unfolding mystery of the weakly attempted insurrection which rioted against the United States Capitol on the liturgical day of Epiphany (January 6th). Unbelief, Fear, anxiety, anger, and a host of other emotions rose as the mystery unfolded as to what would happen next. That mystery was not about “Whodunit” but about how safety would be maintained, order restored, and the constitution upheld. But wait. Could there have been more going on in that historical event than we imagine? How can we delve into the possibility that God is present and even on that difficult day revealing new opportunity?
The Scripture
To explore the mysterious movement of the Holy Spirit let us turn to Paul’s action in Acts.
“They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them.”
(complete text Acts 19:1-7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+19%3A1-7&version=NRSV )
What does it mean to be baptized in Jesus’ name? Do we live with different priorities, values, meaning or character because we are baptized in Jesus’ name? Do we take seriously the practice of spiritual disciplines so that we can build even greater spiritual muscle and increase our faith- sight (that is noticing the mysterious movement of the Holy Spirit) because we are baptized? When the Holy Spirit comes upon us at our baptism, what is that life-long-lasting experience like for you?
Today’s Prayer Practice
Today as we remember our baptism. Spend intentionally time looking at the past week and pondering where and how the mysterious movement of the Holy Spirit was present and could be revealed.
Begin by preparing a finger bowl of water. As you pray with this water, ask God to assist you in remembering your baptism. Even if you were baptized as an infant, God remembers embracing you that day in love. Let that embrace of Love anoint your life again as you touch the water and remember your baptism.
When you are finished praying consider how you experience the Holy presence of God within your daily life. Review that past week, remember that God is present at all times. Imagine how God has been with you, your community, and our global village this past week. You may choose to use questions from Daily Examen.
- When were you aware of God’s Holy Spirit anointing life?
- When were you not consciously aware of the mystery of God’s movement?
- What will you do tomorrow to notice even more of your baptismal anointing to notice God in all things?
Enjoy praying.
