Prayers for Pentecost

And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind”

Veni, Sancte, Spiritus,
Fiery Spirit of Love.
Come, O God of the Poor
Come Comforter of Us All
breathe your life into our dry bones.
In-spire us to speak of the wonder of God’s love
in words that all can receive.
And kindle us wisdom;
Right judment.
Give us knowledge.
Understanding.
Courage.
Grace us with awe in your presence.
When we are filled with your gifts,
let us ride on your wind to the ends of the earth.
Let us be your fire igniting all in our path.
“The Spirit bears witness with our spirit.”

The Spirit,
knowing our needs better than we do,
remodels our prayer and moves within us,
Lifting our paltry prayers to unending heights.
Holy Spirit,
Break through our facades and pray with us.
Show us the way when we are lost,
and be the fire in our hearts that stirs us to act.
“ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ ”

“Peace be to you.”
Through locked doors he came.
He breathed on them as God had breathed life into Adam.
His work in the flesh was over and their life in the Spirit began
He gave them “peace” again and sent them out to all the earth
To be his hands, feet, voice, but most of all heart.
O Christ,
Breathe on us and give us your Spirit.
There is no life in us without your air.
Let us be your love incanate and love ever-present.
We want to be there as you leave no corner of the world unloved.

Holy

Spirit,
Come to us.
Give us the gift of your
wisdom and understanding
knowledge, right judgment and reverence.
Courage, we ask, courage,
and wonder and awe in your presence.
Fill us with your gifts.
Allow us to ride on your wind
to the ends of the earth.
Let us be your fire
igniting all
In your
path.

Risen One, by the gift of your Spirit you have moved us beyond remembering a resurrection event in time past to celebrating a reality in time present. Your resurrection power is not simply something in the past tense, but a living power here and now. You have entrusted us with the Holy Spirit, giving us authority to act in your name. We are awed by your gift and trust. There is nothing in all creation that is unaffected by your victory. You have made us partners in your resurrection power. Filled with your Spirit, may we be moved to forgive and to be courageous in witness. Make us an Easter People at one with you and each other.  Amen.

A. Hale Schroer, from The Book of Daily Prayer 2002, © 2001 by the Pilgrim Press.
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