Northern Plains Anglican

As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. (Luke 3:15-18)

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us! Fill us with expectation of our transformation in Christ. Fill us with expectation of the Holy Spirit’s power within and among us. Fill us with expectation of exhortation that will overthrow our fears and set us free to love and serve you in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Of your charity, pray for this writer as I prepare to preach tomorrow morning. May I offer encouragement and exhortation to God’s people.