Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Loving and gracious God, we gather here as your thankful people. You have blessed each of our lives in many ways through the gifts of the Spirit. Help us always to be mindful of your gifts and to be a thankful people. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
All		Amen.
READING
Reader		A reading from the book of Acts. (Read Acts 2:1–6) The word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Leader		Please join in proclaiming God’s word from Psalm 66.
All		Let all the earth cry out to God with joy!
Group 1		Shout joyfully to God, all you on earth; sing of God’s glorious name; give praise to the Lord your God.
Group 2		Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! Before your great strength your enemies cringe."
All		Let all the earth cry out to God with joy!
Group 1		Come and see the works of God, the tremendous deeds done among us. God changed the sea to dry land; through the river, the people of Israel passed on foot.
Group 2		Therefore, let us rejoice in our Lord, who rules mightily forever, whose eyes are watching the nations. Let no one rise to challenge the Lord of Lords!
All		Let all the earth cry out to God with joy! (based on Psalm 66:1–3, 5–7)
OFFERING OF SCROLLS
Leader		With hearts filled with praise and thanksgiving, we present our thanks for the gifts of the Spirit. As you come forward to place your thank-you note in the basket, remember all the gifts of the Holy Spirit and be grateful for the many blessing yet to come in your life. (Play instrumental music as all come forward to present their scrolls.)
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Leader		Let us pray.
Reader		For the gift of wisdom to help us know how to live.
All		We thank you, Lord.
Reader		For the gift of courage to overcome fear.
All		We thank you, Lord.
Reader		For the gift of understanding to know God’s plan for us.
All		We thank you, Lord.
Reader		For the gift of right judgment, to prevent bad decisions.
All		We thank you, Lord.
Reader		For the gift of wonder and awe to appreciate all of creation.
All		We thank you, Lord.
Reader		For the gift of knowledge to recognize God, our creator.
All		We thank you, Lord.
Reader		For the gift of reverence to help us show respect and give thanks to God.
All		We thank you, Lord. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Spirit of faith, strengthen our ability to believe in the Gospel and to follow it each day of our lives. Help us, through our words and actions, to be signs of God’s kingdom, in unity with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG