Pentecost Sunday: Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23 ~ come Holy Spirit

PENTECOST SUNDAY

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

Pentecost celebrates ‘the great beginning of the Church,’ the day the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples. Praise God for this great Gift, and ask for a new outpouring in this, our day.
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Gracious God, send down upon Your people the flame of Your Holy Spirit, and fill Your Church with life and power. May your life-giving Spirit lend fire to our words and strength to our witness. Send us forth to the nations of the world to proclaim with boldness Your wondrous work of raising Christ to Your right hand. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Spiritual Song: “Waiting Here for You”

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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts ACTS 2:1-11 (NLT)

Pentecost by Jacqui — Pentecost
by Jacqui

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are — Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 (NLT)

Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty.
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O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.
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But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust. When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth.
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May the glory of the Lord continue forever! The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made!
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May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 (NLT)

So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
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The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 20:19-23 (NLT)

That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Intercessions:

Come Holy Spirit we need you; renew the face of the earth:

+ Come with Power to fill the leaders of the Church and to breathe new life into all of God’s people…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Spirit of Life and breathe new life and enthusiasm into faith communities around the world…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Witness to those who have recently made professions of faith – that they may always know they are children of God…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Convicter of sin to all who have fallen short of God’s glory and have gone their own way – that we may repent and return home to the Father…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Indwelling Presence to every believer – that we may exhibit the good fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Comforter to all to all who are troubled or distressed – that we may find peace and rest for our souls…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Counselor to all who are confused and faced with difficult decisions – that we may find guidance and direction…. Lord, hear our prayers.

+ Come as Intercessor to all who are at a loss how to pray – translate the groanings of our spirits into petitions before the throne of grace…. Lord, hear our prayers.

Creator God, Your Spirit breathes Life into us and sustains us. Fill us now to overflowing, and hear the cries of our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Spiritual Song “Fill Me Now”

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Ascension of the Lord: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 28:16-20 ~

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

In celebrating the Ascension of Jesus – we remember His sending out of the disciples, His promise to remain with us until the end of time, and His promise to send the Holy Spirit to be with us and in us.
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Almighty God, make our hearts dance with joy and thanksgiving; for in the ascension of Christ, Your Son, our human nature is raised above the heavens, and where Christ, the head, has gone before in glory we, his body, are called in hope. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 1:1-11 (NLT)

Ascension Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337), Cappella Scrovegni a Padova — Ascension
Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337) Cappella Scrovegni a Padova

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.

During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 (NLT)

For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet.
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Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm.
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God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere.

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A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 1:15-23 (NLT)

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you.

I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called — his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else — not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him — but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Intercessions:

Christ ascended into heaven, not to abandon us but to be our hope and to prepare a place for us in eternity. Filled with this certain hope and confident of His love and mercy, we offer these prayers on behalf of His people:

+ For church leaders who have been entrusted with the Word of God – that they may proclaim it without hesitation or fear…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For Christian missionaries, particularly those living in regions of war and devastation — that God’s Spirit may give them fresh enthusiasm…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For Christ’s disciples living in a Culture of Death – that we may be effective witnesses to the Gospel of Life which has been entrusted to us…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For the sick and those who suffer in any way – that they may be consoled by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by the love and presence of others…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For all who are unemployed and seeking work — that they may receive support, and find the work they need to live in dignity…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For all of us on our journey of faith — that Christ may sustain us and keep our minds and hearts fixed on heaven…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For family members who have strayed away from Christ – that our example of godliness may bring them back quickly…. Lord, hear our prayer.

+ For all who have died – that they may have eternal rest, and that we may always thank the Lord for their lives…. Lord, hear our prayer.

God most high, King of all the earth, You care for all You have made: hear these prayers we make in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Spiritual Song “Hear Us From Heaven”

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

6th Sunday of Easter: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21 ~ paid in full

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

Heavenly Father – You sent Your Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for my sins, once for all time. He paid the ultimate price for my freedom and even now He prays for me and prepares a place for me in eternity. Today, I worship and honor Him as Lord of my life.

And, on this Memorial day weekend, I also remember those who have followed in His footsteps – sacrificing their lives in the service of our country – so that I can have religious freedom to bear witness to You in all that I do.

Holy Spirit – Come and meet me in this quiet place of worship. Draw me body, mind and spirit into Your presence.

I ask this through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 (NLT)

Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.
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When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 (NLT)

Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power….”
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“Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.”

Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!
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He made a dry path through the Red Sea, and his people went across on foot. There we rejoiced in him. For by his great power he rules forever. He watches every movement of the nations; let no rebel rise in defiance.
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Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.
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Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Peter 3:15-18 (NLT)

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:15-21 (NLT)

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans — I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Intercessions: Memorial Day Prayer – Mark D. Roberts

Gracious, Sovereign God, Lord of all nations,

On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect upon our blessings as a nation and the high cost of those blessings for many.

Thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this country, for opportunities to flourish, and for the security of our land.

Thank you for those who have served in the armed services of our country, risking their lives for our liberty.

Thank you for those who have given their lives in service to our country, sacrificing in such a costly way for the sake of others.

Thank you for a day set apart, not just for celebration, but also for solemn remembrance as we consider the sacrifices of so many in our military.

O Lord, may we be more aware of just how blessed we are as a nation. May we be more grateful for our blessings, more faithful in stewarding them well, more eager to share them with others.

We pray today for the families and friends of those who have given their lives in service to our nation. May they be comforted in their sadness. May they be reassured that the sacrifice of their loved ones contributes to a worthy cause. May they be proud of those they have lost, entrusting their ultimate fate into your gracious hands.

Even as we remember those who have given their lives in the past, we also think of those whose lives are on the line today. We think especially of the men and women who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in other places of conflict and violence. Protect them. Encourage them. Bring them home safely . . . and soon.

Give wisdom to the leaders of our armed services, that they might know how best to deploy the troops in the cause of freedom. May their efforts be successful, so that true peace with justice might be established in our world.

Guide those who lead our nation in international affairs. Help them to pursue diplomatic paths that prevent needless conflict. May they have your wisdom about when and how to use the military might you have entrusted to us.

God of peace, stir in the hearts of the leaders of all nations, and in all who would use violence to further their cause. Change their hearts and minds. Give them a passion for peace. Bring an end to the pain, suffering, injustice, and violence in our world.

We know, dear Lord, that ultimate peace will not come until your kingdom is here in all of its fullness. Nevertheless, we pray for a foretaste of the future. We ask for the growth of peace throughout our world today, so that fewer and fewer men and women will have to risk and even to sacrifice their lives. May your kingdom come, Lord, and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven!

All praise be to you, God of grace, God of mercy, God of justice, God of peace!

Amen
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Hymn: “Amazing Grace”

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Prayer: 24 May – Psalm 107:43; Joshua 6:25; Ephesians 4:26 ~ on anger management

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Morning readings May -To a Young Disciple

This month’s readings are a development of Colambanus‘ Letter to a Young Disciple.

Psalm 107:43 ESV

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.

Joshua 6:25 ESV

But Rahab the prostitute and her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. And she has lived in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

Ephesians 4:26 ESV

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger….

Reflections

BE MINDFUL OF FAVOURS, UNMINDFUL OF WRONGS

Caedmon of Whitby seemed to know he was about to die for he asked to be taken to the sick-house, and there he and his attendant talked and joked in good spirits with each of the other occupants until after midnight. Then Caedmon asked for the Eucharist. Taking it in his hand he asked if their hearts were all at peace with him, and they had no complaint, quarrel or ill-feeling towards him? They all replied that their hearts were entirely at peace with him and quite without anger, and they asked him in turn to be at peace with them in his heart. He quickly replied: “My heart is at peace, little children, with all God’s servants.” Then he received communion, and then enquired how long it was till the brothers had to awake to sing their nightly praises to the Lord. They replied, “It will not be long.” “Good,” he said, “then let us wait for that hour.” He signed himself with the cross, laid his head on the pillow, slept for a while, and so ended his life happily, peaceably, in silence. – Bede

The Finan Series of Daily Readings – Finan of Lindisfarne (C. 660)
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Canticle:

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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Peanut Gallery: The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) Having completed reading through the Gospel of John, our Scripture readings and reflections will be taken from the Finan Daily Readings (Celtic Daily Prayer). We will continue with the Finan readings until Pentecost Sunday, June 8th. On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer: 23 May – Psalm 145:14-17; Job 29:11-13; Matthew 26:11 ~ on caring for the weak

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Morning readings May -To a Young Disciple

This month’s readings are a development of Colambanus‘ Letter to a Young Disciple.

Psalm 145:14-17 ESV

The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.

Job 29:11-13 ESV

When the ear heard, it called me blessed, and when the eye saw, it approved, because I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him. The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.

Matthew 26:11 ESV

For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.

Reflections

BE RESPECTFUL TO THE WORTHY, MERCIFUL TO THE POOR

It is no sin to have wealth, but it is sinful to be attracted to wealth. It is the love of money, not money itself, which is the root of all evil.

Aidan, dining one Easter with King Oswald, was himself ill at ease with the feast set before them. Just then a servant arrived to say that many poor people had arrived at the castle asking for alms. Oswald with a wave of his arm ordered their own meal to be taken away and fed to the people outside, and the silver plate broken and distributed between them. Aidan was so overcome that he exclaimed, “May the hand that did this never perish.”

Any society or “civilization” may best be judged by the way it treats its weakest members.

The Finan Series of Daily Readings – Finan of Lindisfarne (C. 660)
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