See the SCRIPTURES for this message.

Also see Phil's article to keep on track with a related message.

Whether it is absolute physical and emotional devastation (Ezekiel 37:1-14), the thrill of excitement and new possibilities (Acts 1:1-8), or the threat of intense trial and persecution (Acts 4:1-31), God's people need the power of the Holy Spirit — the Spirit can and has turned each of these kinds of situations completely around.

Last week, we emphasized turning the Holy Spirit loose in our own personal lives through confessing Christ as Lord and being baptized (Acts 2:38-39) and praying for God to give His Holy Spirit to us (Luke 11:13). This week, we want to emphasize turning loose the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer into the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ, our physical family, and in our church and God's world-wide people. We can pray for all of these in the same way that Paul did:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being (Ephesians 3:14-16 TNIV).