Pentecost Prayers

The following prayers for the Pentecost are based on images found in Scripture. Brief commentaries follow each prayer, directing worship planners to Scripture passages that can be used in conjunction with each prayer.

Invocations or Opening Prayer Come O sovereign God, and invade and inspire us with your wind and fire. Shake loose that which binds and consume that which competes so that our tongues might be tuned to sing your praises. Enable us through your Spirit to reclaim the power of Pentecost. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. Commentary: The biblical account of the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4) provides rich pictures for prayer. As was demonstrated during the Easter section, Acts 2 offers a fertile field of imagery that can be used to construct all the components of worship. For example, prayer of confession/words of assurance (vv. 21, 22–28, 37–39), prayer of illumination (vv. 17–20), offering (vv. 44–45), and pastoral prayer (vv. 5–13, 42–47). Spirit of the living God, come be our guest and guide. Release your mighty power and fill us with a desire to speak to one another and sing to you with hearts alive with praise. May all our actions and attitudes declare our gratitude to you, Lord God, through the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Commentary: This prayer paraphrases the apostle Paul's prayer from Ephesians 1:18–20. It reminds us how the Scriptures are a rich reservoir not only for inspiring worship, but that they actually suggest specific prayers for various occasions throughout a service. Prayer of Confession Gracious God, we rejoice and praise you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. But as we celebrate the release of your power we would confess our own lack of power. While our need is great for your Spirit, we frequently have not taken the time to ask or pause long enough to receive your Spirit. Tragically we have often sought to do your ministry with our own might. Forgive our impatience and rebellious efforts to run the church and your kingdom on our own. We acknowledge that our actions and attitudes have often grieved you and suppressed your Holy Spirit. Cleanse us from our sins so that we might be renewed and refreshed by this liberating gift of Pentecost. Hear us now as we continue to confess our sins and needs before you … [opportunity for silent confession] … In the strong name of Jesus we pray. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE Leader: (reads Acts 2:38) People: (read 1 Peter 3:18) All: (read 2 Corinthians 3:17) Commentary: This prayer relies upon a number of scriptural strands that relate to the Holy Spirit. In particular, Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8; and Ephesians 4:30 are woven together to create this confession. Further, all the scriptural references for the words of assurance are drawn from passages that relate to the Holy Spirit. It should also be emphasized that the best source for words of assurance and pardon are the Scriptures. The act of confession is an acknowledgment before God and others that we have fallen short. Therefore, the most powerful pronouncement of forgiveness is from the Scriptures that capture and communicate God's Word to us. Prayer for Illumination Everfaithful God, many voices tug at our hearts and summon our allegiance. But you have called us to be different from the rest of our society. Awaken us to the reading of your Scripture. Let us listen and live by your Spirit so that we might keep in step with your illuminating Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen. Commentary: Galatians 5:25 declares the Holy Spirit's power and ability to guide our lives. This verse suggests not only this prayer but wonderful possibilities for developing other prayers for illumination. Offertory Prayers Breathe on us, O breath of God, and fill our lives anew. Your amazing love has stretched and sealed our hearts so that we may praise and give you glory. Receive the offerings of our lives that we might further your ministry both here and around the globe. Gratefully we respond in Jesus' precious name. Amen. Commentary: The first stanza of the hymn, "Breathe on Me, Breath of God," establishes the base line of this prayer. Additionally there are allusions to the metaphors of Ephesians 1:12–13. Gracious God, you have been called our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend, and so you are. Your liberating Spirit creates and renews the face of our lives and land. You surprise us with the spectrum of your mighty acts of power and provision. May our response bring delight to you as we present our tithes, offerings, and gifts of gratitude to the honor and praise of Christ, our Lord. Amen. Commentary: The opening theme of this prayer is drawn from the fourth stanza of Robert Grant's stirring hymn, "O Worship the King," ("Frail children of dust, …"). Since this hymn is based on Psalm 104, the additional imagery was also selected from this portion of Scripture. In particular, the themes are borrowed from verses thirty and thirty-four. This offers us yet another guide in the construction of worship and development of prayers. Most hymnals provide some sort of scriptural index to hymns. The careful worship planner will discover many helpful images and insights that can be employed from the original passages that gave birth to the specific hymns used in worship. Pastoral Prayer Sovereign Lord God, your creating Spirit first moved over the formless void and brought into being the heavens and the earth. You formed not only the land and animals but also displayed your marvel in fashioning us in your image. We are grateful that you observed your creation and pronounced it good, saving your highest joy for us who bear your own likeness. We are thankful that your same Holy Spirit has continued to create new life through your Son Jesus Christ. Ancient prophets spoke and wondered what we so often take for granted. Forgive our presumption and startle us afresh with the mighty power of your sovereign will. In our efforts to be faithful and follow Christ, may we not lose hope amidst the attempts of others to resist and reject you. Grant us the courage to withstand these temptations as we seek to bear witness to Jesus Christ. Lord of power and might, grant us a courage that echoes the example of the early church. Unleash your pentecostal power that we might speak and act with humble boldness. As we face the realities of life, be gracious to extend your powerful hand that your presence would be known in healing and performing miracles of wonder and new life. Help us, O compassionate God, to realize that you answer our prayers not always according to our desires but in response to the wisdom of your divine will and providence. Healing God, hear us then and be gracious to those we name as they face surgery, wait for recovery, or wrestle with the lingering effects of illness. Be present also with doctors, nurses, technicians, and others in the medical arts. Work in and through them and guide their efforts to cooperate with you, our Great Physician. Our minds also remember that many are still imprisoned in various forms of bondage and despair. Whether it be mental or emotional illness, disabilities, the haunting nightmares of abuse, or the destructive ravages of war, release and restore those trapped in these bitter entanglements of turmoil. Since we are never equal to our calling, we seek for the filling of your Holy Spirit. Grant us that daily dependence that converts our human efforts into that cooperative venture with you, O mighty, heavenly Father. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Commentary: The scriptural prayer of Acts 4:23–31 inspires this prayer for Pentecost. This sample has tapped only a few of the available themes and images of this rich model from the early church. Additionally it seeks to remind us that not all prayers are answered exactly or as quickly as we desire. Prayer always needs to be surrendered to the mystery and greater wisdom of our triune God.