This week’s prayer bead devotion focuses on the time when Jesus ascended into heaven, as described in Acts 1:6 – 11.

Cross: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Invitatory Bead: “When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.’”  (Acts 1:9 NIV)

1st Cruciform Bead: Before ascending into heaven, Jesus said it is not for us to know when he will return to restore God’s kingdom. 

1st set of Week Beads: use each bead to pray for the return of Jesus, for restoration of Creation, and for faith that he will come in perfect time.

2nd Cruciform Bead: Before ascending into heaven, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to advocate for and empower us. 

2nd set of Week Beads: use each to bead to thank Jesus for loving us so much that he would not leave us alone, but would send the Holy Spirit to continue to strengthen us here on earth.

3rd Cruciform Bead: Before ascending into heaven, Jesus said that by the power of the Holy Spirit we will be empowered to witness to his love for us “to the ends of the earth.” 

3rd set of Week Beads: use each bead to thank God for the opportunity to participate in His redemption of the world by witnessing to the love of Christ.

4th Cruciform Bead: After Jesus’ ascension, two angels encouraged the disciples to stop looking towards heaven for Jesus.  The disciples then returned to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit, and to continue the ministry of Jesus.

4th set of Week Beads: use each bead to be reminded that the ministry of Jesus, and the healing of the world, cannot wait; that we must act quickly to help bring about God’s kingdom on earth.

Invitatory Bead: recite the Lord’s Prayer

Cross: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.