Prayers for Sunday, May 15, 2016 – Pentecost Sunday

Written and led by Holly Andersen and Rachel McGehee

Let us pray,
Gracious Spirit, we read in the first chapter of Genesis that when the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and that you, the Spirit of God, were hovering over the waters. You have been at work in the world since the very beginning. We are filled with joy on this day of Pentecost that our Lord Jesus sent you to be our counselor and guide as we walk and live out lives of faith. Gracious Spirit, Shine in our hearts.

The Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:11, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” You, Holy Spirit, have given us life! Not “someday,” but now, right here on this earth, you are living inside our broken bodies. This is too much for us to grasp. Open our hearts and minds to humbly accept the unimaginable power of your life in us. We ask that your Spirit would continually transform us, breaking the power of addictions, greed, racism, apathy, pride, and envy. Gracious Spirit, Shine in our hearts.

In Acts chapter 1 verse 8, we read Jesus’ promises to his disciples, “’But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Lord, you promised your Spirit to your faithful disciples, and with the promise gave a great commission. Your Spirit gives us power to witness your mercy to the whole earth, but like the first disciples starting in Jerusalem, help us share your love first with the people in our own communities. Stockton and its surrounding areas need your healing and mercy so desperately; give us the desire and willingness to first reach out to those living in our homes and on our own streets. Thank you for organizations like the Gospel Center Rescue Mission and the Pregnancy Health Center who share your love in practical ways in our city. We pray for the Christians on our school boards, city council, county offices, state legislature, and federal government, that they would lead with integrity and be quick to share their faith with those around them. We also pray for our brothers and sisters sharing the gospel around the world: give us generosity to support their missions, and soften our hearts to hear your call in each one of us. Gracious Spirit, Shine in our hearts.

Holy Spirit, When we are weak, when we do not know what to say or cannot say it, you help us. Romans 8 verse 26 tells us that in our weakness, when we do not know what we ought to pray, that you intercede for us with groans that words cannot express. You know the situations that leave us without words, the people for whom we can help in no way other than to life them up in prayer... for Mary Hintz, Riley Wells, Connie Rill and all those on our hearts, Gracious Spirit, Shine in our hearts.

Matthew 10, verses 19 and 20 say, Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Father, how incredible it is that your very Spirit speaks through us when we open our mouths to share your word! Spirit of God, take away our fear of speaking your truth to others, and give us confidence to share our faith boldly. May we be looking for moments during our daily lives at school, at work, in our neighborhoods, and with our families to tell others about the hope we have in you. Gracious Spirit, Shine in our hearts. 

We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.