As First Light dawns on this Pentecost Day, legions of us are awakening with heavy grieving hearts. We are struggling to make our way in a world turned upside down. Every day it seems, that which we have always done is being undone.

As in all times, we have too many voices talking to us in languages we do not understand. All of us are speaking our truths at once and yet we cannot hear one another. The louder we protest, the less we are heard. The more we unite to speak our truth, the more divided we become.

On this Pentecost Day we are reminded that our God is a Loving God who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is gifting us even now with the life-giving power of All Love in Christ which unites us with all people who seek the Way of Love.

Love Unites Us.

We are united in our love for all God’s people.

We are united in our work toward seeking justice and peace for all people.

We are united in our commitment to respect the dignity of every human being.

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one God; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

From the Moravians we are gifted with these prayers for this day. As all God’s children, we humbly pray for the forgiveness of our sins, for all that we have done which brings harm to others,. and for all we have left undone which oppresses our neighbors.

Let us Confess our Sins:
(Adapted from the Pentecost Liturgy, page 97, MBW)

Spirit of holiness, we confess that we often fail to catch the wind as it blows through our hearts. When you seek to ignite us, we quench the fire of your love and dissipate the power of your presence.

You long to restore us to the image of God, but we let it tarnish as we nurse selfish attitudes. You nurture unity, but we sow discord. You come to make our bodies your holy temples, but we misuse them. We allow the value systems of our society to separate us from your good intentions for us as we use your gifts for our own benefit.

Forgive us, merciful Spirit. Burn away our impurities, and forge us into renewed and useful instruments in your service. Amen.

God’s very being is grace. God’s every intent is to welcome you home. So receive God’s forgiveness, and rest in God’s love.

Let us praise the triune God:
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.

Let us go out into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Love+Peace
Maria

Prayers for the Celebration of Pentecost (May 31-June 5, 2020)