Prayer of Praise

Lord, as we worship today on Pentecost Sunday, give us a vision. Move us by your Holy Spirit. Bring good news to us all. Bring freedom and peace to broken people, And let us get a taste of Heaven here on Earth. Open our eyes to see you as you are. And open our hearts to praise you. Amen!

Prayer of Confession

(Responsive)

God of grace and God of glory, in your glory may we find grace, and in your grace may we find your glory.

Shed your light around us and within us, that the shabby things we do and the shabby things that inhabit the dark recesses of our minds, may be revealed for what they are.

Please do not allow us to hide from the unpalatable truth, or having glimpsed the truth, do not permit us to cover up our tardy response with vain self-justifications.

Mercifully confront us, expose, judge and reclaim us from all evil. Forgive both our sins and our excuses.

Help us, wherever it is possible, to humbly apologise and make restitution to those whom we have wronged.

Let your grace abound in our lives, enabling us to merciful towards any who have wronged us, and supportive of those who have failed badly and seek a new start.

In the name of Christ Jesus our Saviour, we ask this.

Amen!

Assurance of Forgiveness

“This is the testimony of God: That God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. They who have the Son of God have life.”

Receive the grace of God’s Son and begin anew, no longer dragging your feet for shame.

Our sins are forgiven.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers for Others

(Responsive)

Lord God, heavenly Father, when You filled the disciples with the Holy Spirit, 3,000 souls were called, gathered, enlightened and sanctified.

Likewise, fill our congregation, our Synod and the whole Christian Church on earth with the Holy Spirit.

Renew us, that the Sacraments may be administered faithfully and many more would be called by the Gospel, enlightened with Your gifts, sanctified and kept in the true faith. Lord, in Your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Almighty God, You delivered Your Word through Moses and the prophets and fulfilled Your Word in Christ.

He was planted in death for our sins and raised for our justification, and in Him shall all the nations of the earth be united.

Give us pastors who will preach this truth faithfully and church workers who are devoted to Your service. Lord, in Your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Almighty God, You have promised that all who drink from Your living water will well up to eternal life.

Help us show forth in holy lives the fruits of the Spirit and live with love toward our neighbour.

Remove all pride, prejudice and hate, that we may not hinder the cause of the Gospel shamefully but give welcome to all people in Christ’s name. Lord, in Your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Lord of hosts, we give thanks for those who have served our nation through military service, and we remember with gratitude those who gave their lives for us and the cause of freedom.

Help us to honour their sacrifice by using our liberty responsibly.

Keep safe all who travel, bless our nation, and help us to protect and increase the privileges we have for those who follow us, looking always to You, from whom these gifts come. Lord, in Your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Light of this dark world, You have sent the Holy Spirit to Your Church as the comforter.

Soothe the wounds of Your people.

According to Your will, bring restoration to broken families, heal the sick, uplift the depressed, provide for the poor, uphold the forgotten and answer the prayers of all who call out to You for aid. Lord, in Your mercy,

hear our prayer.

O Lord, Giver of the Holy Spirit, clear away all distractions, that our hearts and minds may be focused on You.

As Christ comes to us in the bread which is His body and the cup of His blood, help us to receive Your gifts with faith and to live from them.

Receive our praise and thanksgiving together with the tithes and offerings we bring, as tokens of our trust in You. Lord, in Your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Almighty Father, with Your Son, Jesus Christ, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts through Your Word to rule and govern us according to Your will.

Comfort us in every temptation and misfortune, and defend us against every error, that we may continue steadfast in the faith, increase in love and good works,

and — trusting firmly in Your grace for us by His death — obtain eternal salvation; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.