Day Three: Holy Spirit, Gift of the Father
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW: “After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying: "This is my beloved Son, on whom my favor rest." (Matthew 3:16-17)
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS: Holy Spirit, at the beginning of Jesus public ministry, you descended upon him in the form of a dove as he was being baptized by John in the waters of the Jordan. As you had brought forth light from darkness at the dawn of creation by hovering over the waters of the deep, so by hovering over the waters of the Jordan at the dawn of the new creation, you anointed Jesus as the “Christ”, the true “Light of the World,” upon whom rests the favor of our heavenly Father. Creator Spirit, Eternal Gift of the Father, rest upon us now and renew your presence within us. Hover over us with your power, for we are weak and in constant need of your strength. Gentle Dove, anoint us with the spirit of Jesus that we too might be beloved sons and daughters of our heavenly Father.
Come Spirit of Jesus, anoint us with the Father’s favor.
