Day 2 Fri May 15th

Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. O Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Joy within us. All of the Saints are marked with an uncompromisable Joy in times of trial, difficulty and pain. Give us, O Holy Spirit, the Joy that surpasses all understanding that we may live as a witness to Your love and fidelity!

Reflect on these words

it is not surprising to find that when the Jews marched into battle, they would utter what the Bible refers to as the teruah Yahweh.  It was a blood curdling war cry which was simultaneously uttered by God and the heavenly hosts   and by his soldiers on earth.  Speaking about the former Isa 42:11-13 says, “Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops. Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the coastlands. The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.” Ps 24:8 adds, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.”

In 2 Kings 6:13-23 we learn how king Aram sent a military force to Dothan to arrest the prophet, Elisha. “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Alas, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the servant’s heart, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”   Implicit in this text is the notion that God, the victorious king, is accompanied by the heavenly hosts.   As Ps 91:11 promises, “God will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”