thirsty
"This Spirit He lavished on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, that we might be justified by His grace and become heirs, in hope, of eternal life." —Titus 3:6-7
The Lord wants to immerse us in a lavish, unrationed outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:34; Mk 1:8). Yet we must thirst to receive the Spirit. "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me; let him drink who believes in Me. Scripture has it: 'From within Him rivers of living water shall flow.' (Here He was referring to the Spirit)" (Jn 7:37-39).
We must thirst tremendously to receive the Spirit to the degree God wishes to give Himself. For example, if you feel a little thirsty, you may ask for a glass of water. If extremely thirsty, you may gulp down a quart of water or even pour some over your head. The Lord, however, wants to immerse us in the Holy Spirit, in rivers of living water (Jn 7:38). Imagine how thirsty you must be to receive so great an outpouring of the Spirit.
So before praying for the Spirit, pray for a thirst for the Spirit. Read the Scriptures on the Spirit. Listen to others testify about the Spirit's power. Get thirstier and thirstier, enough to want to jump into the living waters. "Let him who is thirsty come forward; let all who desire it accept the gift of life-giving water" (Rv 22:17).
Prayer: Jesus, may I have a tremendous thirst for the Spirit.
Promise: "Was there no one to return and give thanks to God except this foreigner? He said to the man, 'Stand up and go your way; your faith has been your salvation.' " —Lk 17:18-19
Praise: God gave St. Albert an extraordinary intelligence. Albert diligently developed this gift (cf 1 Tm 4:14) and sought knowledge to "build up the souls of others with it."
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Staying Filled With the Spirit on audio AV 57-1 or video V-57.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2006
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