I’ve been in Maine for the past week. There is almost more beauty here than I can bear. Between the ocean, the flowers, the sea grasses, the sailing schooners, the lobsters and oysters, and the color of the leaves, I’m in a chronic state of awe and “OH!” When I see the shimmery golds and reds of the autumn leaves, I think, “This is how I imagine the Holy Spirit.”

So I decided to use that image as a starting point for prayer. The colors on the trees make me think of tongues of flame and the fiery spirit of Pentecost. I want to be swept away by that Spirit. I also want to commit the people I’m praying for to the transforming power of that Spirit.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)