Let the fire of your Spirit shed light on your word, O God. As we open these pages, may we find a breath of fresh air, a word for our hearts, a light for our path. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
acts 2
confession: we explain away
Call to Confession
When we come together to confess our sin, we find that the closed room of our minds and the locked door of our spirits burst open, making room for the Spirit of God to run wild. When we think we can contain God, we deceive only ourselves—the Spirit is here, and calls us to join the dance. Before God, with the people of God, let us lay down our burdens of brokenness and join what God is doing. Let us pray.
Confession
The wind blows and we hear the sound of it, but we do not know where it comes from.
We try to explain it away, but even our own breath speaks of new things we cannot understand.
We may be together in one place, but we do not speak with one voice, we do not listen with one heart.
We hear, and dismiss, your deeds of power, your call to love those who are different, your insistence that the whole world be included.
You pour out your Spirit, and we squash the vision—it is too big, too unrealistic, too uncertain, too unruly.
You send visions of a future with hope, and we look back instead.
You light the way, and we look for a fire extinguisher, trying to keep ourselves (and you!) safe.
Forgive us, O God. We long for your new life, but we do not know how to live it.
~silence~
Rush into this place again, and fill every nook and cranny with dreams and visions of possibility.
Turn our hushed whispers into proclamations of your grace, in every language of the world.
Lead us out into your future.
Amen.
Assurance
This is the promise: “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh—young and old, men and women, rich and poor—and all people will see.” This promise is for you, and for us. No matter who we are or where we have been, the Spirit of the Living God falls fresh, with mercies new every morning. Know that you are forgiven, and let the Spirit speak through you!
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
CTW: come together
We come together from many places—
from north and south, from east and west, just as God calls.
We come together in one place—
piece by piece, becoming the Body of Christ.
We come together in one place—
not always understanding, not always courageous, not always ready,
and the Spirit rushes in!
Let us rejoice, and proclaim God’s power in this place!
Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson, the Presbyterian Church of Palatine, IL
CTW: pour out your peace
In the last days, when great wonders will occur, says God,
I will pour out my spirit on all people.
On the very first Pentecost, to begin my church, says God,
I will pour out my spirit on all people.
On this Pentecost, in this very church, says God,
I will pour out my spirit on all people.
Your Spirit is here among us, O God.
May we feel the spark of her fire, the rush of her wind.
May our visions and dreams be of justice and mercy for all your creation;
May we prophesy to your vision of a new heaven and a new earth.
Remove our anxious nerves that prevent our calling out your name.
Come, Holy Spirit, come! May you pour out your peace on all your people!
Based on Joel 2:28 and Acts 2
Submitted by Rev. Rebecca Page Lesley, Suffolk Presbyterian Church, Suffolk, VA
illumination: stale minds and slowly-beating hearts
Spirit…
Wind…
Breath…
fill our lungs and lives with your energizing presence;
refresh our stale minds;
and stir our slowly-beating hearts;
so that we may humbly and courageously
be your breathing, gusting, good presence in the world.
Amen
Submitted by Scott Cervas, pastor at Meadowthorpe Presbyterian Church (Lexington, KY)
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