Day of Pentecost, Cycle B (May 23, 2021)
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Mortal, can these bones live?!)
ELW: Ezekiel 37:1-14 OR Acts 2:1-21 Spirit descends; disciples proclaim: “All who call on Name of Lord shall be saved!”)
Psalm 139:1-16 (You search and know us; none can escape from your Spirit)
ELW: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b (God’s manifold works; he gives food in due season; bless his name. Oh, v. 35a is omitted, the bit about the wicked being no more…)
Acts 2:1-21(Spirit descends upon disciples. All who call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved!)
ELW: Romans 8:22-27 (Creation groans, waiting for our redemption; Spirit intercedes in sighs too deep for words)
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 (The Advocate Spirit will testify; prove the world wrong; guide you in all truth; glorify me by taking what is mine and giving it to you)
THE PRAYERS
In the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray for the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Most holy and gracious Spirit, it feels odd praying to you, not just in your power! Like the air around us, we almost take you for granted, even though we can’t live or breathe except you move in us. Thank you for being “Incognito God,” blowing where you will even when we don’t notice you. Renew our life, faith, and love, now and always.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Renew your Church. Fill it with boldness in witnessing to Jesus. Fill it with faithfulness in proclaiming his Word and celebrating his Sacraments. Fill it with zeal for ministering to all people in his name – especially to the least of those whom he calls sisters and brothers.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Renew the faith of your persecuted Church. Give it grace to endure suffering for Jesus’ sake; and grant that its faithful witness may cause many to turn to Christ and live.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Renew the people and the ministry of this congregation. Fill us with joyfulness in worship; eagerness in service; gentleness in fellowship; generosity in giving; and persistence in faithful witness in Jesus’ name.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Renew the faith in all who are confirmed, commissioned, or ordained today. Be for them the true Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in his presence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Renew the minds of worldly leaders. Fill their hearts with wisdom and humility as they wield power and authority. Fill the spirits of the world’s citizens with love for God, neighbor, and the world around them. Fill creation with fruitfulness and peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Renew the minds and direct the actions of all who take protect life, health, justice, and freedom. Strengthen and protect them. Bless all they do that is in accordance with your will. Bring them safely home when their task is done.
Renew the hope, faith, and health of all whose need is great, especially: {List}. Fill them with the comfort of your presence and lead them into the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Come, Holy Spirit, and cheer the hearts of all who grieve the loss of loved ones. Fill them, and all of us, all with faith in you, the Lord and Giver of life; in the communion of saints in heaven and on earth; in the forgiveness of sins, in the resurrection of the body; and in life everlasting.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant us, dear Lord, all that is in accordance with your will, to your glory, and for the building up of your people. Amen.
