The story of Pentecost is the story of God giving the disciples the power to be witnesses. God gave them what they needed to carry out their mission. You too are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit. In light of Pentecost, you are asked to commit to praying for those who need empowerment in the areas of health, violence and working through systems that limit empowerment.
You may experience growth in your prayer life, new awareness of needs and how to meet them or a call to a new area in which God wants you to use your gifts. Rejoice in God’s gifts. Listen for God’s direction. Here are three areas that need your prayers:
* Pray for the health of women and girls so that we are able to carry out God’s call to mission.
* Pray for victims and perpetrators of violence against women.
* Pray for those who, facing endless “red tape,” are frustrated in their efforts to get help: immigrants, people seeking asylum, women and children living in poverty and those dealing with foreclosure and homelessness.
This message is excerpted from “Pentecost, Power and Prayer” by Bonnie Belasic, a 2010 resource of the Women of the ELCA.
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