Scripture Reading
Acts 2:1-4
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Reflection
Wind and fire: God's two great symbols of the Spirit throughout Scripture. At Babel, human language divided and scattered. At Pentecost, the Spirit reverses the curse — all nations hear the wonders of God in their own language. The Spirit comes to individuals (tongues rested on each one) but also to the whole gathered community. Pentecost is both personal and corporate, both intimate and universal. Come, Holy Spirit — fill this house, fill this heart, fill this world.
Prayer for Today
Dear Lord,
In this season, there are many questions and concerns. Some have stumbled into the abyss of anxiety; others wander in the wasteland of worry, while dear ones lament in the garden of grief. I pray, Oh Lord, that you will be our present help in this time
of trouble. Open our spiritual eyes so we can have a proper perspective to discern what you are doing in this hour. Calm our hearts and quicken our spirits. Teach us to keep pace with younot rushing to keep up but with
slow and methodical steps of faithfulness. For those riddled with significant sickness: Be Jehovah Rapha the Lord who heals. For those who experienced loss: Be the Great Comforter. For those in need of renewal: Be Living
Water. Lord, by the power of your Spirit, give us a posture of worship in the wait. We, your people, are people of Pentecost! A people born of the Word and the Spirit through salvation and suffering. Give us the gift of
endurance. You are the bedrock on which our hope is built. Bolster our faith and fill us with unspeakable joy. Remind us that in our scattering, we the church are one. We entrust all that concerns us into your loving care.
We pray this in the matchless name of Jesus Christ! Amen!
In this season, there are many questions and concerns. Some have stumbled into the abyss of anxiety; others wander in the wasteland of worry, while dear ones lament in the garden of grief. I pray, Oh Lord, that you will be our present help in this time
of trouble. Open our spiritual eyes so we can have a proper perspective to discern what you are doing in this hour. Calm our hearts and quicken our spirits. Teach us to keep pace with younot rushing to keep up but with
slow and methodical steps of faithfulness. For those riddled with significant sickness: Be Jehovah Rapha the Lord who heals. For those who experienced loss: Be the Great Comforter. For those in need of renewal: Be Living
Water. Lord, by the power of your Spirit, give us a posture of worship in the wait. We, your people, are people of Pentecost! A people born of the Word and the Spirit through salvation and suffering. Give us the gift of
endurance. You are the bedrock on which our hope is built. Bolster our faith and fill us with unspeakable joy. Remind us that in our scattering, we the church are one. We entrust all that concerns us into your loving care.
We pray this in the matchless name of Jesus Christ! Amen!
Amen.