Bless the Fount of Life, O my soul. Mother of All, my God…She is the one who makes the winds her celestial messengers, fire and flame her ministers…You send forth your Spirit…and you renew the face of the earth. [Psalm 104:1a, 4, 30]
…you have received a spirit of adoption through which we cry, “Abba! Father!” It is that same spirit who bears witness with our spirit that we are daughters and sons of God. And if daughters and sons, then heirs, heirs of God and heirs of Chris…For in hope we were saved…Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as is necessary, but that very Spirit intercedes…according to the will of God. [Romans 8:15b-17, 24, 27b]
*As the Birthday of the
Church, Pentecost marks the official beginning of the ministry of the Apostles
beyond their local area and into the broader world. The descent of the Holy
Spirit in the form of tongues of fire imbued them, and each of us by extension,
with extraordinary gifts to bring the message of Jesus by word and example into
all facets and phases of our Christian life. As the ashes of Ash Wednesday open
us to the season of reflection and repentance in Lent, the soul-fire of
Pentecost reignites our faith and fervor, restored and renewed in Christ to
carry his message forward in our everyday thoughts, words, and actions.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ Abba, Redeemer, Advocate, infuse us, your children,
with the fire of your Spirit and the Peace of Christ. Strengthen us to bear
witness with you, to inhale the rush of your heavenly breath, rejoice in Your
Presence, and bless you with the work of our souls.
Spirit of the Living God
RESPONSE:
Fall afresh on us
~ Abba, Redeemer, Advocate, impel us to speak in the language of your Truth to
the leaders of this Earth, this Country, and this Community, on behalf of those
crying in the wilderness of lethal poverty, merciless injustice, faithless
intolerance, and crushing despair. We pray especially for: add your own
petitions
Spirit of the Living God
Fall afresh on us
~ Abba, Redeemer, Advocate, relieve the fevers of critical illness, depression,
or other desperate circumstance, and energize all who give them care and
support. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add
your own petitions
Spirit of the Living God
Fall afresh on us
~ Abba, Redeemer, Advocate, instill Your care and comfort into the hearts of
those who grieve, as the souls of all who have reached the shores of Heaven,
now rise and dance in Your everlasting joy and glory. We pray especially
for: add your own petitions
Spirit of the Living God
Fall afresh on us
~ Abba, Redeemer, Advocate, we pause in this moment to offer
You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently… add
your own petitions
Spirit of the Living God
Fall afresh on us
~ Abba, Redeemer, Advocate, un-trouble our hearts as you amplify our
Spirit-given abilities, that together with those chosen to lead us in Your
Church, we may be steadfast in our journey. As you release us from fear,
may the actions of our lives sing as praise to the you, O Lord our God. We pray especially
for: add your own petitions
Spirit of the Living God
Fall afresh on us
The Celebrant adds: Lord
of Enduring Glory, guide the Spirit of Pentecost to set our souls ablaze
once again, that we may keep Your commandments, do greater works, and live as
joint heirs of Your eternal kingdom. We ask through Jesus, our Redeemer Christ;
and the Holy Spirit, the Sacred Fire in our souls; who together with You reign
as One God, now and forever. Amen.
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