Prayer of Praise: –

Almighty and Ever-Living God, we come before you with hearts full of praise and thanksgiving on this 5^th day of Pentecost.  We praise you, O God, for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who descended upon the apostles in tongues of fire, filling them with power and boldness to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.  We thank you, Lord, for the Spirit who unites us as one body, breaking down the barriers of language, culture, and race, and binding us together in your love.  We praise you, Holy Spirit, for your presence in our lives, guiding us into all truth, comforting us in our sorrows, and empowering us to live out our faith with courage and joy.  You are the breath of life, the fire that refines, and the wind that moves us to action. We stand in awe of your mighty works and the ways you transform our lives.  We exalt you, O Lord, for the gifts of the Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. May these gifts flourish in us, that we may serve you faithfully and proclaim your glory to all the earth.

Holy Spirit, we rejoice in your presence among us today. Fill us anew with your power and grace, that our lives may reflect your love and bring honour to your name. Praise be to God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—now and forever. Amen.

Prayer of Confession:

 (Responsive)

Spirit of the Living God, as we gather to celebrate the gift of your presence among us, we are mindful of the ways we have fallen short of your call.

 

Holy Spirit, we confess that we have not always listened for your voice or followed your guidance.

We have not used the gifts you have given us to their fullest potential.

We have been slow to respond to the needs of others and quick to seek our own comfort.

We have not always spoken your truth or acted in your love.

We have harboured grudges and resentment, and we have failed to forgive as you have forgiven us.

 

Forgive us, we pray. Renew our hearts and minds.

Fill us with the fire of your Spirit, that we may serve you with joy and walk in your ways.

Empower us to be your witnesses in the world, sharing your love and grace with all we meet.

 

Come, Holy Spirit, and transform us.

Make us bold in our faith, steadfast in our commitment, and compassionate in our actions.

All: Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness:   

Hear then Christ’s word of grace to us,

‘Your sins are forgiven’.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers for Others:

(Responsive)

In the joy and hope of the risen and ascended Christ, let us pray for the Church, the world, and all in need.

God of Fire and Wind, fill your Church with the breath of your Spirit. Empower us to proclaim the gospel with boldness and to share the gifts of your Spirit with all the world.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Creator of all, we pray for the nations and leaders of the world. May the fire of your Spirit inspire them to work for justice, peace, and the common good. Guide them in their decision-making, that they may seek the welfare of all people.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Comforter of the afflicted, we lift up to you all who are in need of healing and comfort. For the sick, the lonely, the grieving, and those burdened by anxiety and despair. May your Spirit bring them peace, strength, and hope. We especially pray for those unable to be with us today, those known and unknown.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord of Creation, we give thanks for the beauty and bounty of the earth. Help us to be faithful stewards of your creation, caring for the environment and all living things. May we be inspired by your Spirit to act justly and sustainably.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

God of Love, bless our communities and families. Fill our homes with your presence, and guide us in our relationships with one another. Help us to support and care for our neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We give thanks for all the saints who have gone before us, who now rest in your eternal peace. Keep us in communion with them until we are reunited in your heavenly kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of your Spirit. Hear our prayers, spoken and unspoken, and grant us what we need, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.