Liturgy–God's Spirit in Us

Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		We give thanks that at Pentecost Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to strengthen the apostles that they might spread the good news of the Gospel. We pray, as disciples of Christ, to also be strengthened with the Spirit.
All		Amen.
READING
Leader		A reading from Paul’s letter to the Galatians. (Read Galatians 5:16, 22-26) The word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Reader 1		Show mercy to me, O Lord. In you my soul finds refuge. I cry to God, the Most High, God will save me,      putting my enemies to shame. God sends forth love and faithfulness.
All		We give praise and thanks to our God.
Reader 2		My heart is firm, O God. I sing songs of joy. I give thanks and sing praises      to all the nations.
All		We give praise and thanks to our God.
Readers 1,2		My God is loving and faithful. Praise and glory to God over all the earth.
All		We give praise and thanks to our God. (based on Psalm 57:1-3, 7-11)
PETITIONS
Leader		We pray to the Holy Spirit to help us become aware of the effects of the Spirit’s presence in our lives. Holy Spirit help us to know your life-giving qualities and to live them each day.
All		Amen.
Reader		We request love. May we first find love within ourselves so that we may share it with others. For this we pray,
All		Lord, send us your Spirit.
Reader		We ask for joy in our lives. May we enjoy the life you have given us. For this we pray,
All		Lord, send us your Spirit.
Reader		We request the experience of peace. Keep us free of turmoil, anger, and resentment. For this we pray,
All		Lord, send us your Spirit.
Reader		We ask for patience. Help us to slow down, to calm ourselves in order to be calm with others, to hear their side of the issue when we differ. For this we pray,
All		Lord, send us your Spirit.
Reader		We come to you seeking kindness. May we learn from Jesus’ example to help those we meet without judging them. For this we pray,
All		Lord, send us your Spirit.
Reader		We ask to achieve faithfulness. Help us recognize that by being faithful to your message, we remain close to our Creator. For this we pray,
All		Lord, send us your Spirit.
Reader		We call for a return to gentleness. Guide us in finding gentle ways to interact with all of God’s creation. For this we pray,
All		Lord, send us your Spirit.
Reader		We ask for self-control. May we control our tempers and sudden urges, sticking to our values in the face of opposition. For this we pray,
All		Lord, send us your Spirit.
Leader		For these fruits of the Spirit to help us develop as faithful witnesses, we pray in Jesus’ name.
All		Amen.
RITUAL (Participants come forward one at a time to be anointed. Leader makes the Sign of the Cross on the forehead of each.)
Leader		The risen Christ sends the Spirit to be our helper, our strength, our guide. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Each Participant		Amen. Come, Spirit, come.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Come, Holy Spirit, giver of God’s gifts. Provide us rest when we are tired, comfort when we are sad. Soften the hardness of our hearts, ease and warm our coldness, guide us when we stray, and bring us to life everlasting.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG