Bible Reading: Acts 1.9, 12-14

Jesus ‘was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight…Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying…They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.’

Reflection

Before Jesus ascends to heaven, he tells his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come. The Spirit will give them the power to be the witnesses he has called them to be. They use this time of waiting to join together and pray constantly. In our instant society, we are not very good at waiting and tend to see it as wasted time but if we use it well, it can be used by God to prepare us for his coming.

• How do you feel about waiting? Do you see it as preparation time or a waste of time?
• Who is God prompting you to be his witness to?
• How might you pray during the days of Thy Kingdom Come?

Prayer: the collect for Ascension Day

Risen Christ, you have raised our human nature to the throne of heaven: help us to seek and serve you, that we may join you at the Father’s side, where you reign with the Spirit in glory, now and for ever. Amen.

RF