Today is the fourth day after Pentecost Sunday.


Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8.  
 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 
  

This reading calls to mind the Old Testament scripture that sets the choice of life and death, blessings or curses, before God’s people. This seems like an easy multiple choice test. But it’s not, is it? Our flesh is powerless without God’s spirit. Are there areas in your life, as you come to prayer today, where you feel powerless over an area of sin? Talk to the Lord about that. 
 
Listen to the reading again, and think about what it means – practically – to have your mind set on what the Spirit desires. What does that look like in real life?  
   
As you end prayer today, pray that your mind would be governed by the Spirit, and full of life and peace. If someone comes to mind who you know is struggling with a mind that is NOT full of peace, pray also for them by name.


Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "Presence and Peace" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)