Weekly devotion: All Things in Common
As we rejoice in the Holy Spirit this Pentecost, we’re praying for all our partners’ staff, who continue the Early Church’s example of togetherness in today’s world.
This week we mark Pentecost – the birthday of the Church – and remember with gratitude the story of the first believers receiving the Holy Spirit. While Christians in the UK and other Western countries celebrate on 24 May, many of our partners across the Middle East will mark Pentecost the following Sunday. The Spirit who empowered those gathered in the upper room approximately 2,000 years ago now unites us all in this moment of celebration and renewal.
Our partners’ staff come from a diverse range of backgrounds, bringing different experiences, languages, skills and perspectives. All serve their communities wholeheartedly and with a commitment to changing things for the better among those facing poverty and injustice.
Like the Early Church, they don’t rely on their own strength, but have the guidance and sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit. This week we thank God for bringing them together in his name, and ask him to continue inspiring them to serve with dedication and compassion.
Bible reading
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Acts 2:43-47
Thought
In this reading we get a glimpse of the Early Church just after Pentecost – alive with the Spirit and full of excitement for the future. The new believers gather together, perhaps not knowing where all this is going to take them, but trusting in Christ and witnessing with awe the acts of the apostles. They realise they are called to share – to distribute their possessions to those in need, to break bread together in fellowship, and of course to tell everyone the good news.
We witness the same spirit in the work of our partners today. Though the future is unpredictable, they continue to share with those who need their help, of all faiths and none. Like the first believers, they show how the church is a living community that can look ahead with a glad and generous heart.
Ask yourself: In what ways is God inviting you to share with others, even where you don’t know what the outcome will be?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of your Spirit, who brings us together and calls us to live as your people. We pray for everybody who works for our partner organisations across the Middle East, that they may be inspired afresh to serve with faith and generosity.
Help us to follow the example of togetherness shown by the first believers at Pentecost. May we be willing to share what we have and to live in fellowship with those around us.
Amen.
Rats, Rubbish & Lice
Conditions in Gaza’s displacement camps are at an all time low. Our partners & the communities they serve need our prayers now more than ever.
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