CALL TO WORSHIP
Let all that is within us praise the Lord!
O Lord God, how great you are: you are robed with honor and majesty.
You make the clouds your chariot and you ride upon the wings of the wind.
The winds are your messengers; flames of fire are your servants.
May all our thoughts be pleasing to God—
For we rejoice in the Lord!
—from Ps. 104
OPENING PRAYER
Come, Holy Spirit, lamplighter, midwife of change, comforter, disturber, inspirer, and advocate.
Come, fill the church with the gifts earth can neither produce nor afford.
Come, fill our lives with that rich mixture of peace and restlessness, calm and enthusiasm, which are the hallmarks of holiness.
Come, promised Spirit of God, find your way to us and make your home among us.
We ask this in the Name of Jesus, our Lord.
Amen.
—Common Order (Church of Scotland)
O Breath of Life! Through your Word and Spirit, you have created us and you are present with us, speaking to our hearts and minds. Grant us your peace; take from us all that we need not carry; and give us strength to take on the challenges that remain. Lift our vision to see your goodness, understand your will, and joyfully do the work of disciples. May we be your voice in the world, speaking truth to power, sharing your gospel, and singing your praises. Give strength to our prayers and give shape to our silence now as we lay before you our burdens and hopes...
[A silence is kept.]
All this we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
—inspired by Reformierte Liturgie
INVITATION
When God poured out the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the invitation went out to people of every nation and language. And so, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you, too, are welcome in God’s presence and at the Lord’s table. Let all who are hungry come, eat of the bread of life. And let all who are thirsty come, drink of the living water. As the deacons bring forward our gifts, let us rise in body or spirit and sing the Doxology.
COMMUNION PRAYER
We thank you, gracious God, that you keep your promises. Today we receive the Spirit of which Jesus spoke, and we rejoice that now and forever this world is filled with your presence. May we experience that presence in these gifts, that in the bread and wine we may taste and see your goodness. And as the Spirit came in wind and fire, may she also blow through us and enflame us, that in all that we are and all that we have, we may bear witness to your love; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
BENEDICTION
Scoured by the wind of the Spirit, go forth to refresh a weary world.
Refined by the flames of the Spirit, go forth to bring light to people in darkness.
And may the grace of the Lord + Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you this day and for all time. Amen.
