Week 1:
Read Acts 1-7
Aim to read a chapter each day. As you read, think on the following questions:
How is the Holy Spirit active and at work in this passage? What would have ceased to happen if the Holy Spirit stopped working?
How did the Apostles respond to the working of the Holy Spirit? How would you respond if this happened to you today?
What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you now through this passage? In other words, are there things that stand out, pictures that come to mind, places you are feeling conviction, etc.?
Read “Chapter 25: Conclusion,” from The Holy Spirit, by Gregg Allison and Andreas Köstenberger.
Aim to consciously rely on the Spirit throughout the day.
Oftentimes, we forget the power and presence of the Holy Spirit with us. Each day, take intentional moments throughout the day to remind yourself of the Spirit, and to rely on him. Try to be consciously aware of him throughout the day.
Each morning, noon, and evening, take five minutes to slow down. Remind yourself that the Spirit dwells in you and with you. Ask the Spirit to guide you and strengthen you and empower you.
Week 2:
Read Acts 8-14
Aim to read a chapter each day. As you read, think on the following questions:
How is the Holy Spirit active and at work in this passage? What would have ceased to happen if the Holy Spirit stopped working?
How did the Apostles respond to the working of the Holy Spirit? How would you respond if this happened to you today?
What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you now through this passage? In other words, are there things that stand out, pictures that come to mind, places you are feeling conviction, etc.?
Read “Chapter 5: Charismatic,” from Spirit and Sacrament, by Andrew Wilson.
Reflect on the following questions:
What spiritual gifts do you currently have, and how do you practice them? Are there ways that you could more faithfully exercise these gifts? If you are unsure about your spiritual gifts, ask your family, friends, and community for their input.
What spiritual gifts do you earnestly desire? How are you pursuing these gifts?
Are there some spiritual gifts that make you feel uncomfortable? Why? If possible, identify someone you know who practices this gift and ask them about it. Ask what they experience and how they feel when they practice that gift.
Would you be willing to ask the Spirit to give you a spiritual gift that makes you uncomfortable?
Week 3:
Read Acts 15-21
Aim to read a chapter each day. As you read, think on the following questions:
How is the Holy Spirit active and at work in this passage? What would have ceased to happen if the Holy Spirit stopped working?
How did the Apostles respond to the working of the Holy Spirit? How would you respond if this happened to you today?
What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you now through this passage? In other words, are there things that stand out, pictures that come to mind, places you are feeling conviction, etc.?.
Read “Chapter 5: Practicing the Power of Healing,” from Practicing the Power, by Sam Storms
Pray for the Sick
This week, be attentive to pray for the sick. If you interact with someone who has some sickness, from a headache to cancer, ask if you can pray for them on the spot. In faith, ask for God to heal them.
Week 4:
Read Acts 22-28
Aim to read a chapter each day. As you read, think on the following questions:
How is the Holy Spirit active and at work in this passage? What would have ceased to happen if the Holy Spirit stopped working?
How did the Apostles respond to the working of the Holy Spirit? How would you respond if this happened to you today?
What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you now through this passage? In other words, are there things that stand out, pictures that come to mind, places you are feeling conviction, etc.?.
Read “Chapter 8: Principles for Prophecy Today,” from Practicing the Power, by Sam Storms
Practice listening and prophetic prayer
Many times, the Spirit is speaking, but we aren’t listening. Take time each day to practice listening prayer. In particular, ask for prophetic words of encouragement and upbuilding. This may come as a word, a picture, an impression that God spontaneously brings to mind.
No matter how strange or out there it seems, write down anything that seems it may be from the Lord, for you or for others.
Capstone Project:
Prophetic Exercise.
Pray through the list of prophetic words you’ve worked on in Week 4. Pick at least one of them that seems for someone else, take a risk, and share the word for the person. Before you do, talk to your development group leaders about what you are wanting to share and get their feedback. When you share, be sure to ask them if what you shared means anything to them. Regardless of whether it does or not, pray for them.
Afterwards, write about your experience in your online monthly reflection.