A story of divine purpose – continues
Published on Thu, Apr 29, 2010 by Rita BennettRead More Worship
Last week I attempted to begin a transparent story of my early spiritual life or lack thereof. Writing about this was harder than I thought.
Now I’m back again to invite you to help me walk on my continuing journey.
In my seeking, I mentioned becoming an Episcopalian. By saying this, please note that I’m not promoting a denomination but I am simply telling my story. Episcopal means having Bishops. I guess any church that believes in a Bishop’s headship is in essence, “Episcopal.”
When I joined the church May 14, 1959, my oldest brother, Bill Reed M.D., an Episcopal lay-reader was delighted.
A lay-reader reads the Scriptures aloud during appointed times during a church service.
Bill told me that at my Confirmation Service, when the Bishop laid his hands on my head and prayed, I would receive the power of the Holy Spirit. This means my spiritual life would be strengthened. This sounded important, as I did need deeper spirituality. I found out later that reading “The Book of Acts” chapters 1 and 2 would help me understand more.
WORKING IN NEWARK
I was in New Jersey working at a Youth Consultation Center when I made my step toward Confirmation. My three friends, also college grads and apprentices in Social Work, joined me for the church service.
The minister led us in Scriptures, prayers, renouncing evil, renewing our commitment to Jesus Christ, and the Apostle’s Creed.
As I came forward for this special part of the laying-on-of-hands, the prayer for me was: “Strengthen, O Lord, your servant Rita with Your Holy Spirit, empower her for Your service; and sustain her all the days of her life. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, New York Oxford University Press, p. 418).
I do not think I heard or absorbed the words spoken over me, as I was probably a bit self-conscious.
It really was a good prayer. “Empower her for service” was one of the main reasons for this whole event. It is possible that I, not fully understanding, thought the main purpose was joining the church.
ENDUED WITH POWER
St. Luke quotes Jesus who uses similar words, “And, behold I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry [wait] in the City of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 KJV mod.). I had been a Christian for sixteen years, but I did not show evidence of any kind of spiritual power. Seems there was something missing.
Another quote from Jesus says, “And, being assembled together with them [the apostles] He commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, that you have heard from Me.
“For John [the Baptist] truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4,5).
FORTY DAYS TRAINING
Here we find Jesus in His glorified, resurrected body – giving 40 days of final training to His Apostles before His ascension. What extremely important words they were. He does not just “suggest” but He “commands” them to receive the power of the Holy Spirit before they travel outside the City of Jerusalem.
After Jesus’ ascension, 120 disciples obediently gathered in the Upper Room on Mount Zion to wait and to pray for the Holy Spirit’s power. Maybe they fasted with their 10 days of prayer. I wasn’t taught fasting during my childhood or young adult life.
My prayer life was rather light. But now I was getting some new ideas through my church. A challenge in my life would soon occur to cause me to rethink my life. Take some time to read Acts chapters 1 and 2, and I will tell you more next week.
Now I’m back again to invite you to help me walk on my continuing journey.
In my seeking, I mentioned becoming an Episcopalian. By saying this, please note that I’m not promoting a denomination but I am simply telling my story. Episcopal means having Bishops. I guess any church that believes in a Bishop’s headship is in essence, “Episcopal.”
When I joined the church May 14, 1959, my oldest brother, Bill Reed M.D., an Episcopal lay-reader was delighted.
A lay-reader reads the Scriptures aloud during appointed times during a church service.
Bill told me that at my Confirmation Service, when the Bishop laid his hands on my head and prayed, I would receive the power of the Holy Spirit. This means my spiritual life would be strengthened. This sounded important, as I did need deeper spirituality. I found out later that reading “The Book of Acts” chapters 1 and 2 would help me understand more.
WORKING IN NEWARK
I was in New Jersey working at a Youth Consultation Center when I made my step toward Confirmation. My three friends, also college grads and apprentices in Social Work, joined me for the church service.
The minister led us in Scriptures, prayers, renouncing evil, renewing our commitment to Jesus Christ, and the Apostle’s Creed.
As I came forward for this special part of the laying-on-of-hands, the prayer for me was: “Strengthen, O Lord, your servant Rita with Your Holy Spirit, empower her for Your service; and sustain her all the days of her life. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, New York Oxford University Press, p. 418).
I do not think I heard or absorbed the words spoken over me, as I was probably a bit self-conscious.
It really was a good prayer. “Empower her for service” was one of the main reasons for this whole event. It is possible that I, not fully understanding, thought the main purpose was joining the church.
ENDUED WITH POWER
St. Luke quotes Jesus who uses similar words, “And, behold I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry [wait] in the City of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 KJV mod.). I had been a Christian for sixteen years, but I did not show evidence of any kind of spiritual power. Seems there was something missing.
Another quote from Jesus says, “And, being assembled together with them [the apostles] He commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, that you have heard from Me.
“For John [the Baptist] truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4,5).
FORTY DAYS TRAINING
Here we find Jesus in His glorified, resurrected body – giving 40 days of final training to His Apostles before His ascension. What extremely important words they were. He does not just “suggest” but He “commands” them to receive the power of the Holy Spirit before they travel outside the City of Jerusalem.
After Jesus’ ascension, 120 disciples obediently gathered in the Upper Room on Mount Zion to wait and to pray for the Holy Spirit’s power. Maybe they fasted with their 10 days of prayer. I wasn’t taught fasting during my childhood or young adult life.
My prayer life was rather light. But now I was getting some new ideas through my church. A challenge in my life would soon occur to cause me to rethink my life. Take some time to read Acts chapters 1 and 2, and I will tell you more next week.