Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 3:3-4)
On the fiftieth day of Easter we celebrate the Spirit, through whom and in whom the people of God are created and re-created. Pentecost is sometimes called the church’s birthday, but might more appropriately be called its baptism day, since the gift of the Spirit is the fullness of baptism. The Spirit is at work in the most intimate and personal way, praying in us “with sighs too deep for words” when we do not know how to pray.
Sermon Question
What are you waiting for?
Sunday’s Worship Music
The Traditional Worship offer this musical guidance from the Hymn of the Day, Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song (ELW 403): Today we pray that the Holy Spirit, dove, wind, and flame, would come in our midst as it did with the disciples. This is dangerous stuff! The Holy Spirit’s presence is bound to change us, healing division with prayer, witness, and peace beyond compare. We see it at work in our traditional hymn of the day and the image of the dove, a sign of peace.
In New Day worship, we close worship with the hymn Mission’s Flame, and proclaim this musical truth: Let worship be the fuel for mission’s flame; We’re going with a passion for Your name; We’re going for we care about Your praise; Send us out.
For Your Home Devotions:
Do you remember the day of your Confirmation?
Does the Holy Spirit ever descend upon you in a way that you can tangibly perceive?
Is the Holy Spirit a disrupter of complacency in your life, or a comforter to the chaos is your life?
