Pentecost
The word ‘Pentecost’ comes from the Greek meaning simply ‘fiftieth.’ Pentecost Sunday ends the season of Easter and symbolizes a new beginning. It celebrates the unleashing of the Holy Spirit on the world and the empowering of the church to reach the world with the gospel. In remembering Pentecost and living in light of this powerful turning point the church expresses gratitude to Christ for sending “another counselor” (John 14:16), celebrates the work of the Spirit in the renewal of all creation, and professes its confidence and security in knowing the Spirit’s power is available for its mission.
- Cleansing -
Confession of Sin
Our God and Father, we praise you that there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! In Christ You have given us living water. You have freed us from slavery to sin and our cups run over with your blessing! Yet, we have returned to the well of sin again and again. Though it reaps no reward, and though it does not quench our thirst, we confess that we are still deeply allured by its taste, even when its sweetness turns to the deepest bitterness. Our Lord, nothing but your mercy can remove our guilt. And, nothing short of your grace will remove the presence of sin from our lives. God, be pleased to make us more like Jesus. Even today, may we taste and see that you are good. Grow us, that we may say with Christ, that our food is to do the will of our Father in heaven. Amen.
(Pause for a time of silent confession)
Assurance of Pardon
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
(1 Peter 2:9-10)
- Constitution -
CLICK HERE to read today's Psalms and Old Testament readings.
- Communion -
Quiet your body and mind, be attuned to your breathing and review (read) your day.
Mediate on your highs and lows.
Pray to God... Prayers of thanksgiving and prayers petition, for yourself, others, our church, our neighbors, and the world.
Contemplate on God’s nearness and rest in Christ.
Pray the General Thanksgiving:
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.