Come, let us unite in prayer for the church throughout the world.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
Spirit of Life, on this day of celebration, we ask you to set our hearts on fire. May we have ears to hear your Word spoken in the world today and lives courageous enough to embrace the wonders of your church everywhere.
Trusting in God’s steadfast love we pray,
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Let us pray for the United Church of Christ, here and elsewhere.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
Spirit of Refining Fire, burn away all that is within us that keeps us from following you. Remind us that you claim us and name us your beloved children. While the world is full of fear and anxiety, violence and hatred, you shape us into a people of peace and trust, strength and grace. We can learn from the past, but we will not encounter you by looking backward. Grant us the wisdom to respond to the intense fire of your Spirit. We thank you for all those called to lead the United Church of Christ, especially for Geoffrey Black our minister and president, Gary Schulte our conference minister, and all those called to lead your people. Let the flames of your spirit light up the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ to kindle our passion for loving and serving you.
Trusting in God’s steadfast love we pray,
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Let us pray for all the peoples of the world.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
Spirit who hovered over Creation’s waters, draw near to all peoples of the world. Unite us in our humanity, as part of the whole of creation. Enable us to stand, unbending, against injustice finding strength and courage in you. War, poverty, hunger, and disregard for the rights of others does not honor you. May we forgive our enemies and seek the forgiveness of those we have wronged. We call on the power of your Spirit to guide us into the fullness of creation, that we may be true stewards of all that we have and all that we are.
Trusting in God’s steadfast love we pray,
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Let us pray for our nation and those who lead it.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
Enduring Spirit, you remain with us when we shine as a beacon of hope, when we signal only distress, and when we are completely lost. Your presence brings hope and possibility even when we fail to hear your whispers of all things possible. Like many countries, our nation struggles to find identity, safety, and direction in a world where peace seems impossible and violence seems normal. Be with those who lead this country, especially Barak Obama. May they all seek the wisdom of your guidance as they endeavor to meet the needs of all those who call this nation home.
Trusting in God’s steadfast love we pray,
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Let us pray for all those who are in need of healing.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
Healing Spirit, we so often fail to see those who struggle for health of body, mind, or spirit. We lift them up to you and ask that you our eyes to all those who need us to act compassionately and kindly. We know that there are wounds we cannot see and pain that is kept hidden. Even as we are grateful for the abundance of life in you, we lift up to you all those who are in need of your loving, gentle touch.
Trusting in God’s steadfast love we pray,
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Let us pray for all those who grieve.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
Spirit of Resurrection Power, we lift up to you all whose hearts are broken. You work in the deepest darkness to bring forth your light. You are the One who binds up the broken hearted and the One who conquered death. Bring comfort, hope, and healing to all those who grieve.
Trusting in God’s steadfast love we pray,
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Let us give thanks to God for all the blessings we have received.
(silence or a time for people to quietly give voice to their concerns)
Pentecost Spirit who sets disciples on fire, we cannot begin to name all the blessings we have received. May our gratitude be as mighty as your winds. Blow afresh through our lives and our worship that we may truly give you all glory. May we live with your Spirit burning within us, showing forth your love and joy in our worship and in our lives. Hear the prayers of your people. We pray in Christ’s name.
Trusting in God’s steadfast love we pray,
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Amen.
RCL – Year C – Pentecost – May 19, 2013
Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21
John 14:8-17 [25-27]
photo from pdphoto.org
