Thirsty for the Spirit

It has only been a few days since Pentecost, and by now Sunday’s experience of the Spirit coming to the disciples in tongues of fire is fading from our memory. The drama of Pentecost is followed by the long, calm, casual, and even boring, season of green.

As a preacher, I often dread the summer and beginning of fall. By the middle of June, I am longing for Advent where I can feel the Spirit picking me (and my preaching) up, right through to Easter. The stories of Jesus’ life are easy to tell, easy to preach on. The endless parables and teachings of Jesus’ ministry that mark the summer and fall can feel a little dry at times, kind of like the Spirit hasn’t been given yet.

We all have periods of spiritual dryness, times when the Spirit doesn’t feel so alive in us. Today, it is nice to know that Jesus is offering water. It is nice to know because it means we get thirsty for the Spirit, and that is okay, expected even. And Jesus is there, with water to quench our thirst.

God who hovered over the waters, when we are dry, fill us with your Spirit. Amen. — EP

Contributed by Thirsty for the Spirit

It has only been a few days since Pentecost, and by now Sunday's experience of the Spirit coming to the disciples in tongues of fire is fading from our memory. The drama of Pentecost is followed by the long, calm, casual, and even boring, season of green. As a preacher, I often dread the summer and beginning of fall. By the middle of June, I am longing for Advent where I can feel the Spirit picking me (and my preaching) up, right through to Easter. The stories of Jesus' life are easy to tell, easy to preach on. The endless parables and teachings of Jesus' ministry that mark the summer and fall can feel a little dry at times, kind of like the Spirit hasn't been given yet. We all have periods of spiritual dryness, times when the Spirit doesn't feel so alive in us. Today, it is nice to know that Jesus is offering water. It is nice to know because it means we get thirsty for the Spirit, and that is okay, expected even. And Jesus is there, with water to quench our thirst.
Eternity for Today