I’m scared of the dark. Well not so much anymore, but the ‘dark’ was my greatest enemy – each night was an actual nightmare. There was nothing to be afraid of, but for years I was terrified.
Anytime I got scared, my mum and dad would say the same thing to me. “Say a little prayer to the Holy Spirit.” It was almost like my personal mantra.
Come, Holy Spirit. Those three words have been my ‘go to’ prayer ever since. When I needed something, when I was nervous, and often when I was scared I’d reach out to God the easiest way I knew how. What I didn’t realise was I was repeating a prayer that had been around from Church’s very beginning.
As I journey toward the Ignite Conference, I’ve begun to recite that mantra again. Not because I’m scared this time, but because I’m excited, and impatient.
Like in the early Church, speaking, praying, and singing ‘Come, Holy Spirit’ is an invitation to the Spirit of God to come, and be totally present in our lives. It has the power to capture hopeful, or desperate hearts, and bring them into His grace. The prayer is for anyone and everyone, no matter where they are at in their faith journey. At Ignite Conference each year, a generation speaks to God in hope, ready to make change, and be changed. It is a simple prayer, that carries great expectation.
Now is the time to make that prayer again, to grow in readiness and prepare our hearts. It’s the time to ask yourselves, what are you expecting from Ignite Conference? What are you expecting from God? And if you are ready for the answer, pray “Come, Holy Spirit.”
Written by Brigid Todd from Ignite Youth, she will be presenting at this years Ignite Conference.
“Walking up the mountain is way harder!”
These words might be ringing in your ears from the final talk as you walk down from the mountain top experience of Ignite Conference. You may have already faced challenges these past few weeks. You might feel alone. You could be doubting your experience…and don’t those old habits and relationships that are no longer compatible with this new way of life look attractive?! I said that the people who told you life would be difficult when you walk down the mountain were lying… you may be thinking that I was the one who lied to you.