Veni, Creator Spiritus

When the day of Pentecost came. Mark A Hewitt, pastel & pen. 26 May 2012

I'm anticipating this Sunday's celebration of Pentecost with a sense of peace and passion. I want to be prepared, but not so prepared that I think I'm in control. Getting ready for Pentecost is more than about looking for something red to wear for worship.  (Although, yes, take some time to set aside something red for Sunday!) Below are some resources to help in our mutual preparation for Pentecost. I invite you to dwell in the prayers and lessons that are posted here.

Openness to the Holy Spirit, I believe, is one of the most significant postures and attitudes for the church. Without it, we loose our ability to grow, be renewed and  experience transformation. 

I'm also now preparing to participate in the annual Lower Susquehanna Synod Assembly. From the agenda I've seen, it looks like business as usual. I'll be praying for Pentecostal moments of vision and clarity for the church as we gather. I invite you to pray too.

+               +                +

Day of Pentecost

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Prayer of the Day

O God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

Readings

Acts 2:1-21

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

John 20:19-23

Take a few minutes and play this video/sound recording and meditate on the words below.

Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,
and in our souls take up Thy rest;
come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

O comforter, to Thee we cry,
O heavenly gift of God Most High,
O fount of life and fire of love,
and sweet anointing from above.

Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known;
Thou, finger of God's hand we own;
Thou, promise of the Father, Thou
Who dost the tongue with power imbue.

Kindle our sense from above,
and make our hearts o'erflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
the weakness of our flesh supply.

Far from us drive the foe we dread,
and grant us Thy peace instead;
so shall we not, with Thee for guide,
turn from the path of life aside.

Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow
the Father and the Son to know;
and Thee, through endless times confessed,
of both the eternal Spirit blest.

Now to the Father and the Son,
Who rose from death, be glory given,
with Thou, O Holy Comforter,
henceforth by all in earth and heaven.
Amen. 

One of the most widely used hymns in the Church, Veni, Creator 
Spiritus, is attributed to Rabanus Maurus; (776-856). It is used 
at Vespers, Pentecost, Dedication of a Church, Confirmation, and Ordination 
(Holy Orders) and whenever the Holy Spirit is solemnly invoked.