Session Four

PRAYER and FASTING

OIL

”So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah. ‘ 1 Samuel 16:13

REFLECTION

Throughout our day of praying and fasting we have reminded ourselves of the gentleness of the Holy Spirit as a Dove; we explored the refining fire of the Holy Spirit to purify and we welcomed the breath of the Holy Spirit to bring transformation. In our final session we want to hold onto this vital truth of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We know that the anointing confers a divine power over our life and ministry.

Just as David was set apart in the presence of his family, the Holy Spirit comes upon us not for title or status, but to empower us to fulfil God’s assignment within our sphere of influence and to our generation.

The anointing symbolised by oil marks us as belonging to God and set apart for His distinct purpose. God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called by clothing them with his Spirit.

It is interesting to note ‘from that day on’ – an encounter with the Holy Spirit isn’t just an emotional moment, it is meant to change the trajectory of our walk and service.

DEVOTIONAL QUOTE

“The anointing of the Spirit is not a luxury for a few special saints; it is a necessity for every believer who desires to live a life pleasing to God and effective in His service.” — A.W. Tozer

PRAYER POINT

Personal & Family: Dedicate all of your gifts, talents, and resources to God. Ask Him to use everything you and your family have to serve His purposes right where He has placed you.

The Church: Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit over elimworthing and the wider Body of Christ in our town and nation. Pray that the church will be empowered to make the most of every opportunity this season, especially as we prepare for Christmas.

Nation and Communities: Pray for the courage to speak truth as a nation—truth spoken in love, and truth that builds and leads people to wholeness. Pray for a fresh outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit across our local communities and the nation as a whole.

MEDITATE

Take time in silence to visualize the oil poured over David. Picture the Holy Spirit resting upon you right now. Allow His presence to quiet your heart, knowing that the same Spirit who empowered David for his calling is resting upon you for yours.

Question for Reflection:

In what area of your life or ministry are you relying on your own strength rather than the power of the Holy Spirit?

What does “from that day on” look like for you as you step into this autumn term? How is God inviting you to walk differently starting today?