Sunday June 8th, 2025
The Day of Pentecost (Whitsunday)/Te Rā o te Petekoha
Prayers taken from/inspired by Acts 2:1-21; Genesis 11: 1-9; Psalm 104:24-34; John 14:8-17, and the ANZPB.
Bidding: May [our] meditation be pleasing to him,
Response: as we rejoice in the Lord.
[Psalm 104:34]
The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
[Genesis 11: 6-7]
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
[Acts 2:1-4]
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit out into our communities.
Teach us new languages,
so that we may share the works of your love
and reach beyond ourselves.
[Silence]
Bidding: May [our] meditation be pleasing to him,
Response: as we rejoice in the Lord.
Amazed and perplexed, [the crowd] asked one another, “what does this mean?”
[Acts 2:12]
Lord Jesus, your church cannot move without your Spirit.
Enliven us with the joy of your hope; empower us to proclaim your word.
[Silence]
Bidding: May [our] meditation be pleasing to him,
Response: as [we] rejoice in the Lord.
In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
[Acts 2:17-18]
Holy Spirit, lead us into the world.
Make our groans into prayers;
show your wonders throughout creation
and do not let our hearts be troubled.
[John 14:27b]
[silence]
Bidding: May [our] meditation be pleasing to him,
Response: as [we] rejoice in the Lord.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
[John 14:15-17]
Living God, eternal Holy Spirit, let your bright intoxicating energy which fired those first disciples fall on us to turn the world again. Hear this prayer for your love’s sake.
Amen.
