Pentecost

 

Opening Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Renew our lives

Lead our actions

Guide our words

Show us the way, home!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Do you understand all that you believe? How does it become clear to you?  Who makes it so?
• How do you know the Spirit is here? What makes you know when the Holy Spirit is present and living and working?

 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Romans 8:8-17

• How does the Spirit work to give you gifts? Can you develop new gifts?
• What can you do to die to the flesh? Is there something you need to die to in order to live more deeply in the Spirit?

 John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16, 23B-26

• What does the Holy Spirit have to do with forgiveness of sins?
• How does the Holy Spirit help you keep the commandments? Give examples.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Even though we speak the same language, we often don’t understand others? How can we listen more intently to what people say with their words?
• Is it possible to speak without words? How good/clear is the communication?
• What do we speak without words? What do we communicate to the world?
• Where do you see the Holy Spirit teaching today?
• What is the Holy Spirit guiding you do?
• Where is the Holy Spirit leading you?
• What is the Holy Spirit giving you strength to accomplish?
• What wisdom, knowledge or understanding is the Holy Spirit giving you in order to teach others?
• How does the Spirit manifest itself in your life?
• Do you carry around “dead weight” which takes up space within you? How can you release it and fill the space with the Holy Spirit?
• Imagine Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit into you…
• Define advocate. How does this describe the Holy Spirit?

 

Closing Prayer (excerpts from Veni Sanctus Spiritus)

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Shine within these hearts!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

 ALL:  Heal our wounds!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

 ALL:  Renew our strength!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Wash away the stains of guilt!

Leader:  Come, Holy Spirit, come!

ALL:  Guide the steps that go astray.

 ALL:  Come, Holy Spirit STAY!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Spend time connecting with the Holy Spirit this week and reflect on these questions:  How aware are you of the Holy Spirit in your life?  Rate yourself on a scale from 1-10.  Where do you see the benefits of the Holy Spirit in your life?  How does the Holy Spirit lead you and guide you?  What was the last decision you made with the counsel of the Holy Spirit?  When did you last turn away the Holy Spirit’s input and go your own way?  How do you give thanks and praise to the Holy Spirit?  Do you give the Holy Spirit recognition for the work He/She does in your life?  How do you teach others about the benefits of following the guidance of the Holy Spirit?  When did you last “rest in the Spirit”?  Make a point this week to find peace by resting in the Spirit…whatever that looks like for you.  If you don’t know, find out!