Today is Ascension Day when we celebrate Jesus ascending to his father in heaven. For forty days after he left the tomb, Jesus had appeared to his disciples. He walked with them, talked with them, and even ate with them. He comforted them in their fear and confusion (Luke 24:36). He also made promises: that he would be with them “to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20); that he would return (John 14:18); and that they would receive the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) to comfort and guide them.

Small wonder that the disciples… this disparate group of ordinary working men… were perplexed and frightened! They had spent three years in Jesus’s company, witnessing miracle after miracle, listening to his sermons, but they still did not understand. Luke describes Jesus blessing them, before he was “carried up into heaven.” (Luke 24:51). Following this, they returned to Jerusalem “with great joy” and spent time in worship. In Acts 1: 9, the disciples watched as “a cloud took him out of their sight.” They could only stand there, mouths agape, staring up into the sky.

As a child I attended a Church of England primary school, and on Ascension Day we would walk two by two to the church for a service. I have no recollection of what was said (I suspect it was from the BCP, which might as well have been in Latin for my seven-year-old self), but I still have an image of Jesus floating heavenward, his white robes billowing. In a movie, this is where we would see THE END on the screen. Of course, I realize now that this was not an ending, but a beginning of a whole new way of life for believers. We are not to be like the pre-Pentecost disciples, staring in confusion, wondering what to do next. Jesus has given us all we need to continue the work of sharing the Good News.

Today marks the start of a global prayer initiative, Thy Kingdom Come, in which each of us is urged to pray for five people who don’t yet know Jesus. We don’t have to tell them what we’re doing. We simply ask God for the Holy Spirit to open their hearts. It’s rather like being a secret agent for the gospel. If you’re sceptical about this, believe me, great things can happen. One of my five phoned me out of the blue last summer and shared that his faith had come alive again after many years in the wilderness. There are some beautiful print resources available at the church, while supplies last. Morning prayer will be offered Monday-Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Each of us can find our own way to take part in this mission. So, for the next ten days, until the feast of Pentecost, think of five, pray for five.

Celtic Prayer by David Adam

The Spirit of God is upon you. Th Spirit of God strengthen you. The Spirit of God guide you. The Spirit of God protect you.  The Spirit of God enlighten you. The Spirit of God fill you. Today and ever more. Today and ever more. Amen