WEDNESDAY, January 19

Acts 1.18-19

“(With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)”

This may seem an odd verse to insert in the middle of waiting for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It’s painful to hold the tension of waiting on God and the grief of Judas’ betrayal. Can you imagine how the disciples felt!

Too often we diminish the place of lament in our worship and waiting. For the disciples to press forward to the presence of the Spirit they needed to lament the sin that grew in their midst. As Jesus’ disciples we must enter into a time of reflection and lament, inviting the Holy Spirit to show us the places we’ve hidden from sight where we need to repent, as individuals but also as a people.

Way to Worship

Consider the places you need to lament and where our society needs repentance. Hold them before the Lord, seeking His forgiveness.

Suggested Song:

            I’m Sorry (A Lament) by TobyMac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUYClC6vqKk

Way to Wait

Once you’ve held them before the Lord, be still and listen for His voice. Hear Him speaking forgiveness and restoration over your life and His prophetic word over your people.

As you seek forgiveness, offer forgiveness. Say out loud a prayer of forgiveness over the lives of those who’ve hurt you.