Prayer for Baptism

I had a hard time thinking of what to write this week, so I decided for a prayer request. Our baptism is coming up on Thursday. This is going to reveal some of the charismaniac in me, but I’ll go for it anyway. I was baptized as an infant in the Catholic church, but now I’m going under again for the believer’s baptism, which I believe to be Biblical. Double-dunk just to be safe either way.

The fruit of the Spirit is love. 1 Corinthians 13, the great “love” chapter is about fruits of the Spirit. A lot of people desire gifts, but the truest test of the Spirit is love for souls and the fruits listed in Galatians 5, among other places. So my prayer is that the Spirit will change my character and heart, more than an external gift. I earnestly desire a great love for souls and their eternal destiny.

The other thing I’ve been praying for is the spiritual gift of prophecy. I know that’s goofy. I know there’s nothing magic about the water. I know that this will not make me complete or perfectly sanctified. But I do know the Spirit works in baptism. He’s working all up in Acts. There have been two texts that I’ve been thinking about in regards to my baptism. The first is in Acts 19. It reads, “And he said to them,“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying” (2-6). So obviously, baptism is a means where the Spirit can work, as long with the gift of prophecy. The other text in regard to this is in 1 Corinthians. “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but x even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up” (14.1,5). Right after the Spirit of love chapter, it speaks of the gift of prophecy by the Spirit. This is the basis of my prayer.

I know spiritual gifts always run the risk of spiritual pride. So I’ve also been praying that this gift of love and prophecy will be used properly- to build up the church and to glorify God. So I know it’s goofy and a little different, but these are my prayers and thoughts on my baptism. I’m asking you to join with me in this end. I desire great spiritual revival and renewal, and that He is glorified. I know more than the gift, I have Him, and He’s enough.

Longing for the Spirit,
Sos