May 15, 2016 – Day of Pentecost
The following prayers have been adapted for congregational use by Rebecca Garber
click here to download a copy of the prayers
With the words, Spirit of breath, spirit of arousal, you are invited to respond Hear our prayer.
Moved by the fresh winds of compassion, we pray for our church, for those in need, and for the wonder of creation.
a brief silence
God, you are the passion held in the tongues of fire at Pentecost. You are the light of the heavens, the solid ground under our feet, and the breath that sustains our every moment. Let us feel your power within us and use it to forge relationships throughout our lives. Feed our communion with our partner Anglican Church of Canada, Bishop Logan, Bishop Greg and the congregations of our synod. We pray especially today for Grace in Victoria and Interim Pastor Brad Busch; Mount Olive in Surrey and Pastor Peter Hanson; and prison ministries and chaplains.
Spirit of light, spirit of arousal
Hear our prayer.
Focus us on the worth and wisdom of each moment, the wonder of each day and every season of our lives. Make us catch our breath as we encounter the marvellous design of earth and heavens, bodies and minds, plants and animals. Let us revere the rhythms of our planet and the fresh water that sustains it.
Spirit of light, spirit of arousal
Hear our prayer.
Attune our ears to the fear, shame, and blame that often underlay differences between religions, communities, and social programs. Make us the first to hear the agony and mistrust, and respond with compassion rather than judgment. May we choose to listen long and well before speaking, before forming our response.
Spirit of light, spirit of arousal
Hear our prayer.
Pull us into the efforts to help the victims of the Fort McMurray disaster and to be careful of fire in our parched lands. Appear as light, as inner flames, as breath to all those who suffer. We pray especially for those we name aloud or in the depths of our being. Bless those who have requested your care and strength (name those on the prayer list)
Spirit of light, spirit of arousal
Hear our prayer.
Knock down the walls within us that keep us from receiving your good news that we are loved, are blessed, are enough. May we practice moments each morning, each night in which we say, “this is good in my life.” Surprise us with joy as these “goods” pile up in our minds.
Spirit of light, spirit of arousal
Hear our prayer.
Lead us to take wisdom from our personal histories, and let memories turn into the vision of the paths up ahead. Plant our feet firmly on this earth, connect our nature with yours, and let us trust our strength as we live forward.
Spirit of light, spirit of arousal
Hear our prayer.
You are a blustery fountain of life and river of hope. Immerse us with your spirit that we continue to move forward, knowing that nothing in the world is only what it appears to be. In the name of the Christ, who comes again and again.
Amen
