Pentecost - Come Revive Us

The celebration of Pentecost marks the liturgical fulfilment of the Easter cycle and the remembering of the gifting of the Spirit to those who gathered long ago. (Pentecost. Acts 2:1-21.) It can still be a time of triumph and confidence as we decorate our worship places with fabrics of red, orange and yellow, or our children make paper flames to fasten to headdresses, and we claim the gifts and power given long ago to the gathered faithful ones. But many of us wonder how much of the gift still resides in the church and within ourselves. Pentecost for some of us raises uncomfortable questions. And so we pray: “Come Revive Us”. 

Sentence:

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as Spirit gave them ability.” Acts 2:4

Collect:

Creator God,

whose Spirit moved over the waters at the beginning of time,

open our hearts and minds to see that everywhere this creation

is alight with the sparks of your power and desire for our good and delight.

May the same Spirit which spoke through prophets and disciples move our hearts and minds today until we are truly yours.

In the name of Spirit, Amen.

Reflections:

How do you and your faith community come to the festival of Pentecost this year? And, therefore, what do you need to focus on? Let me offer you a catalogue of what I have reflected upon in recent years.

You may be interested in a balance overview of the meaning of Pentecost.

Pentecost Overview

Or you may wish to dare to ask the question How can we celebrate this year given the state of the world?

How do we Celebrate?

Or you may wish to explore what is happening in the emerging church.

Emerging Church

Or you may wish to focus on belonging and dreaming with God.

Belonging and Dreaming

Forgive me for not having a new reflection as I am on much needed holy-days. However, I do offer these new prayers of intercession to share with you.

Intercessions:

Spirit of Creation and Recreation,

Awaken us to all that is and all that is still possible.

Let us be nourished by the abundance and beauty of creation and empower us to protect and share with all your precious ones.

We particularly pray for those who hunger and thirst, for those who live in fear and degradation, embolden and protect all who bring relief and care.

Spirit of Creation and Recreation,

Hear our prayer.

Spirit of Reconciliation and Redemption,

In Jesus the Christ you bound what was broken together and restored what was weary and ruined.

Mend us and make us whole, encourage and correct us, until we know that we are One.

We particularly pray for all who we fear, overlook, all who are injured or invisible.

Convert us until we see as you see.

Spirit of Reconciliation and Redemption,

Hear our Prayer.

Spirit of Renewal and Revival,

Come Spirit of the living God and inspire and revive your church.

Pour your dreams and imagining into our narrow careful plans until we are excited and hopeful again.

Give us spirits which perceive where the light still enters in until we are ignited by your vision for this world and all that is beyond.

Spirit of Renewal and Revival,

Hear our prayer.

Living God,

Spirit of Creation, of Reconciliation, and of Renewal,

We pray in the name of the Risen Christ, who calls us to live a life empowered by love. Amen. 

 This is my work informed by all that I have heard, read and experienced. I am indebted to the wisdom of others.