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Pentecost:
Welcoming the Spirit
We are an Easter people!
We continue to celebrate that reality and
simultaneously struggle to understand what that means in a world starved for
resurrection. Pentecost rapidly approaches and we await the coming of the
Spirit. CELEBRATING THE LECTIONARY has included in both its Junior/Senior and
Adult Packets a ritual to welcome the Spirit. Join us as Easter people longing
for the enlightenment and the empowerment of the Spirit.
RUAH RITUAL
In Hebrew "ruah" means "wind, spirit, breath." It is
feminine. The Scripture is adapted and cited.
One: In the beginning, when God created the universe, the earth was
formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in
total darkness, and the Spirit of God was moving over the water (Genesis 1:1-2).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: Then will the dust return to the earth as it was: and the
Spirit will return to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: And he said to me, "Son of man, stand upon your feet, and
I will speak to you." And the Spirit entered into me and spoke (Ezekiel
2:1-2).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: Where shall I go from your Spirit? or where shall I flee from
your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, you are there: if I make travel to
hell, you are there (Psalm 139:7-8).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: Into your hand I commit my Spirit (Psalm 31:5).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters
will all proclaim my message; your young men will have visions, your old men
will have dreams. Yes, even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out
my Spirit, and they will proclaim my message (Joel 2:28-29 and Acts 2:17-18).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: The Lord says, "Here is my servant, whom I strengthenþthe
one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased. I have filled him with my Spirit, and
he will bring justice to every nation" (Isaiah 42:1).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has chosen me to
bring good news to the poor (Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18)
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: When Elizabeth heard Maryþs greeting, the baby moved
within her. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and said in a loud voice,
"You are the most blessed of all women, and blessed is the child you will
bear!" (Luke 1:41-42)
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: God is a Spirit: and those who worship must worship in Spirit
and in truth (John 4:24).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: Blessed are the poor in Spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven
(Matthew 5:3).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and
saw God's glory and Jesus standing at the right side of God (Acts 7:55). They
kept on stoning Stephen as he called out to the Lord, "Lord Jesus, receive
my Spirit!" (Acts 7:59)
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the
Father sent me, so I send you." Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive
the Holy Spirit" (John 20:21-22).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control (Galatians 5:22- 23).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
One: Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; do not despise inspired
messages (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
All: Come, Spirit, Come!
All: Amen!
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