On the fiftieth day after our Lord’s resurrection (i.e., the day of Pentecost) all the disciples of Jesus were together in one place. Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, filling the entire house where the disciples gathered. “Divided tongues as of fire” appeared to them, resting on each of those present, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them leave to do. Jewish pilgrims from around the Roman empire had gathered in Jerusalem as worshipers at the Pentecost feast. All of the folk heard the 120 followers of Jesus speaking in different languages “the wonders of God,” each in their own language.
After the pilgrims inquired about the meaning of this event, Peter answered their doubt saying that these testifying are not drunk (as some supposed), but were rather recipients of the gift of the Holy Spirit, which God had promised through the prophet Joel would come to all who believed in the last times. In a powerful sermon, Peter declared that this phenomenon which the pilgrims in Jerusalem had witnessed was the fulfillment of the prophecy, which the ascension of the Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, had brought about.
Peter said that they had crucified the Lord without knowing who Jesus was, the One who now had risen and sent out his Spirit. Both his works and his resurrection attest that he is the Messiah, and now glorified at the Father’s right hand, he has poured out the Holy Spirit. The one they had crucified has now been exalted as both Lord and Christ, and they should repent and be baptized in his name, and receive fulfillment of the promise which will be to all who believe in his name.
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ England Prayer Book (Suter, p. 256)
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 104.24-34, 35b OT: Ezek. 37.1-14 Gospel: John 15.26-27; 16.4b-15 NT: Acts 2.1-21 (Click here for all readings)
Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord's Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
--Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
~ 309 (The Book of Common Worship, p. 339)
Affirmation from the Psalms
Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains full of prey. [5] The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; all the men of war were unable to use their hands. [6] At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned. [7] But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused? [8] From the heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still, [9] when God arose to establish judgment, to save all the humble of the earth. Selah [10] Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt. [11] Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared, [12] who cuts off the spirit of princes, who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.
~ Psalm 76.4-12
Pray without Ceasing - Flash Prayer for the Day
Thank you, Father, for the gift of your Spirit, granted to us through the grace of Christ, your Son.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2.1-21Our Corporate Disciplines
Book Discussion: Monday, May 21, 2018 Fallow Day: Friday, May 25, 2018