Arthur spoke to us at the Antioch Meeting about preparing the ground for the Holy Spirit in our lives. Here are the areas he addressed and invited us to pray deeper into. This time presents an opportunity for us to be changed, for spiritual transformation in our lives:

1. A deeper desire and fervency for prayer, and particularly for intercessory prayer, which focuses on others, not on ourselves. Forgive us Lord for looking at the world with dry eyes.
2 Chron 7:14

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”

2. A deeper awareness of God in our lives – we want God at the centre of our lives and our community because we value His presence. The Holy Spirit in our lives gives us access to God in a new way, not as servants or employees who are busy with His work, but strangers to His presence, but as sons and daughters. So, let’s take this time to know “Abba, Father” who dwells with us.

3. Conviction of sin in our lives – As a result of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are changed. And so, we want to grow in a desire for personal holiness, a deeper understanding of what sin does, how it separates us from God and His forgiveness. It’s easy for us to make excuses for sin, or not even recognise it.
Ask God to refine you, so you’re in right relationship with Him. You may find it helpful to pray Psalm 51.

4. A deeper revelation of the goodness of God – He is good and His love endures forever. What can God do with me, I’m not a Billy Graham or a Paul Uwemedimo? It’s not about us being good enough, but that God’s grace is enough. He wants to reconcile families, restore marriages, feed the poor, heal the sick. This comes about by his goodness, not our efforts. Isaiah 61:1 “His name is Restorer”. The gifts, fruit and wisdom of the Holy Spirit are for the transformation of the world for the glory of God.