Today’s devotion is focused on God the Holy Spirit, and is a continuation of our exploration of the Trinity.  As I explained last week, I’m giving you two devotions this week so that Sunday’s devotion can be devoted to Palm Sunday and Holy Week. 

In this devotion, each of the prayers of the Cruciform Beads is based on the attributes of the Holy Spirit as described in the Apostle’s Creed.  Not surprisingly, of the three devotions that focus on the persons of the Trinity, this was the hardest to write.  I think we all struggle most to understand the person of the Holy Spirit.  I hope this devotion is helpful in explaining the Holy Spirit’s role and power within the Triune God.

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

Invitatory Bead: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.”  (John 14:16 NIV)

1st Cruciform Bead: Holy Spirit, you are the source of the universal church, and it is by you and through you that we are called to worship and glorify God:

1st set of Week Beads: use each bead to pray for the church and the ways in which you can support its ministry.

2nd Cruciform Bead: Holy Spirit, you are the great Counselor who brings us together in common union with our fellow saints, reminding us of God’s unending presence in our lives, offering guidance and strength as we seek to follow the way of Jesus Christ, and teaching us to keep his commandments to love God and our neighbor:

2nd set of Week Beads: use each bead to pray for guidance in following Jesus Christ and keeping his commandments.

3rd Cruciform Bead: Holy Spirit, you are the supreme Advocate, continually and mercifully pouring out  forgiveness of our sins:

3rd set of Week Beads: use each bead to confess your sins and receive forgiveness.

4th Cruciform Bead: Holy Spirit, by your power we will be resurrected from the dead and joined in perfect union with God, to enjoy eternal life in His kingdom:

4th set of Week Beads: use each bead to thank God for the hope of resurrection and eternal life.

Invitatory Bead: recite the Lord’s Prayer

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