Prayer Topic
That God will prepare His people to receive the latter rain and the seal of God.
Prayer Focus
Prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s former rain.
Scripture Reading
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).
Devotional
The Bible uses the symbol of rain to represent the work of the Holy Spirit. For example, the prophet Joel spoke of the “former rain” and the “latter rain” (Joel 2:23) as pointing to the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon God’s people. “And it shall come to pass afterward,” Joel continued, “that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh” (Joel 2:28). The “former rain” points to the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost, which has empowered the church for nearly 2,000 years and is still available to us today. The latter rain, in contrast, points to an even greater outpouring of the Spirit’s power at the very end of time. However, we must be experiencing the former rain to be blessed with the latter. Ellen White wrote, “The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 506). Pray today that God will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit, today, so that can be prepared to receive the latter rain when it comes.
Prayer Promise
“Affections cannot be lasting, even in the home circle, unless there is a conformity of the will and disposition to the will of God. All the faculties and passions are to be brought into harmony with the attributes of Jesus Christ. If the father and mother in the love and fear of God unite their interest to have authority in the home, they will see the necessity of much prayer, much sober reflection. And as they seek God, their eyes will be opened to see heavenly messengers present to protect them in answer to the prayer of faith. They will overcome the weaknesses of their character and go on unto perfection” (The Adventist Home, p. 315-316).