Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
Leader		Today we give thanks for the many gifts we have been given. Let us pray for grateful hearts, so we will share what we have with people around us. Generous God, give us the spirit of gratitude that will lead us to share with others the good gifts you bestow upon us.
All		Amen.
READING
Reader		A reading from the book of Acts. (Read Acts 2:1–11) The word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Leader		In response to God’s word, let us pray.
Reader 2		The Lord secures justice for the oppressed, and gives food to the hungry.
Reader 3		The Lord sets prisoners free, and gives sight to the blind.
All		Happy are we who hope in the Lord.
Reader 2		The Lord raises up those who are sad, and blesses the righteous.
Reader 3		The Lord protects strangers, sustains orphans and widows, but blocks the path of the wicked.
All		The Lord shall reign forever. Alleluia! (Based on Psalm 146)
PETITIONS
Leader		The Holy Spirit has indeed given each of us gifts and talents to be used for the benefit of others. Let us pray that we may not neglect the grace with which God has blessed us.
Reader 1		Help us God, to feed those in need and those who are hungry.
All		Teach us to serve one another.
Reader 2		Help us to be kind to people who are homeless.
All		Teach us to serve one another.
Reader 3		Help us to treat one another fairly.
All		Teach us to serve one another.
Reader 1		Help us God, to share our time with those who need us.
All		Teach us to serve one another.
Reader 2		Help us, God, to show our gratitude through lives of loving service.
All		Teach us to serve one another.
RITUAL BLESSING
Leader		With this oil, I bless you in the name of the Father who created you, the Son who saved you, and the Holy Spirit who strengthens you. (Bless each participant on the palm of the hand with oil.)
Participant		Thank you God. Amen. (Participant rubs hands together to absorb the oil.)
CLOSING SONG