17th May 2026
Methodist–Presbyterian Reflection
Readings:
Acts 1:12–14 • Psalm 27 • 1 Peter 4:13–16 • John 17:1–11a
“ Waiting Upon the Lord ”
The hill of Ascension grew quiet.
Clouds received the departing Christ,
and the disciples stood gazing upward,
their hearts caught
between wonder and uncertainty.
The voice that calmed storms
had faded into heaven’s glory,
yet His promise lingered
like morning dew upon thirsty ground:
> “ You shall receive power.”
So they returned to Jerusalem—
not as conquerors,
not as men certain of tomorrow,
but as believers learning
the discipline of waiting.
In the upper chamber they prayed.
No trumpet sounded.
No fire had yet descended.
Only faithful souls
joining trembling hands
beneath the eye of God.
How familiar this sacred waiting is.
For many hearts today
stand in similar places—
waiting for healing,
waiting for peace,
waiting for answers
that seem delayed by heaven.
Yet the Psalmist gently reminds us:
> “Wait on the Lord;
be of good courage,
and He shall strengthen thine heart.”
Not every silence means abandonment.
Sometimes God prepares His people
in quietness before power,
in prayer before victory,
in surrender before renewal.
The apostle Peter speaks
to weary believers:
if you suffer as Christians,
do not be ashamed.
For faith refined by trial
shines brighter than gold in fire.
The world may ridicule holiness,
but heaven honours steadfast souls.
And then comes the prayer of Christ—
that tender prayer
before the shadow of Calvary deepened:
> “Father, glorify Thy Son.”
Not for earthly splendour,
but that eternal life
might flow like a river
to all who believe.
He prays also for His disciples—
for their unity,
their protection,
their perseverance.
And across the centuries
that prayer still reaches us:
the struggling family,
the aging saint,
the doubting youth,
the faithful congregation
singing hymns through tears and triumph alike.
This is the Sunday of holy expectancy.
The Church waits at the threshold of Pentecost,
like dry land longing for rain,
like dawn waiting for sunrise.
The Spirit is coming.
Strength is coming.
Renewal is coming.
Therefore let every heart remain steadfast.
Let every church remain prayerful.
Let every weary soul lift up its eyes.
For the God who called the apostles to wait
still moves among His people today.
Prayer
Almighty God,
teach us to wait upon You with patience and trust.
When fear surrounds us, be our light.
When trials burden us, be our strength.
When our faith grows weak, renew us by Your Spirit.
Unite Your Church in love and truth,
and prepare our hearts for the power of Pentecost.
Through Jesus Christ our risen and ascended Lord.
Amen.
Story: Col Augustine Ansu Rtd
