Pentecost

 

Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit!

Shine your divine light upon me!

Wash away the stains of guilt

and wrap me with your mercy!

Start a fire within me for you!

Ignite the flames in me

so I can bring light to all I meet!

Spirit, dwell in me forever!

Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 2:1-11

• Imagine being there; what would you be feeling? Describe what it might have been like to experience the strong winds and house shaking?  How did those gathered know it was okay?
• Why was it so important for everyone to understand? What is the significance of this?

 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

• Are gifts of the Holy Spirit limited to one per person or can you have all of them? Are they always there or can you summon them like a super-power of a super hero?
• Do you believe we are one, though many faiths? Why or why not?  What do you think keeps us separated?

 John 20:19-23

• What does it mean that Jesus “breathed” on them? What does this signify?  What does it remind you of or relate to in the Old Testament?
• What do sins have to do with Pentecost? Can we experience Pentecost if we are unable to forgive?  Why or why not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Have you ever gone to an event, dinner or party and was surprised you had a good time? Share the experience.
• Have you ever met someone, who at first glance you thought would be boring or uninteresting and you were wrong?
• How does the power of the Holy Spirit work? Have you been a witness to what it can do?
• What happens when you cannot understand another person? How do you act?  How do they act?  Does this have to keep you from communicating?
• What is the significance of the Holy Spirit in your life right now?
• Is what you have enough? Is there more you want/need?  Do you blame God or is it something you withhold?
• Do you think you are aware of all of the gifts you have been given by God? Why or why not?
• If you act out of faith, what characteristics do you show? How do you know a person of faith by their actions?  Share examples.
• When has God surprised you?
• Where do you see the strength of the Holy Spirit at work?
• Do you call upon the Holy Spirit for anything? If so, when?  If no, why not?  What would be the purpose of doing so?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let me call out to you…

 ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus!

Leader:  Come, fill me!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader: Reach the depths of my being!

 ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader:  Create in me a new spirit!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader:  Bring comfort, bring healing!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Leader:  In you, joy never ends!

ALL:  Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Challenge for the Week:  How do you hear God’s voice?  How do you Jesus is calling out to you?  What role does the Holy Spirit have in you following faith?  This week, determine if you are really hearing God’s voice and following God’s call.  Perhaps, you need to reach out to the Holy Spirit for affirmation you are on the right path.  Listen for the Holy Spirit in the wind, in a whisper or in a strangers smile.  Consider writing down each day where you heard, saw or felt the Holy Spirit communicate with you.  Come Holy Spirit!