There’s no doubt that something dramatic happened on what we call the Day of Pentecost. As promised, the Spirit of God came upon the believers in a remarkable way giving them the confidence to openly proclaim Jesus as risen Lord and Saviour. We explore the idea of power – but frame it as Jesus’ power of LOVE. It’s about serving not control.
Call: Big Spirit, Colourful Spirit, Noisy Spirit, Energy of God, wrap your dove wings around us, spark your bright flame within us, blow your refreshing wind among us, so that we can be
your Pentecost people today. Give us, Lord, the power of your love now as we worship and as we go out into the world to live as your servants.
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Listen to the 1st Prayer
Pray : Lord, it is easier to praise you when the sun is out or when we are feeling positive and content, when there are things in our lives that make us feel good. That will be true for some here but the fact is that you are worthy of our praise each and every day, no matter what the weather, and even if we are struggling or sad. A long time ago your Holy Spirit came down upon Jesus’ friends in power, on what today we call Pentecost. Send your Holy Spirit upon us, friends of Jesus today, that we might praise you as you deserve, love, serve and follow the Lord Jesus and love and serve our neighbour as we love ourselves. Forgive us that all too often we just please ourselves. Show us that Jesus loved us enough to die for us, that we might be forgiven and accepted as your children. He rose again and demonstrated his power over death. Give us access to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and fit us to be your followers in 2023 in our community here in Montrose and far beyond. Our Father…
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Acts 2:1-11 The coming of the Holy Spirit.
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Thought- There’s been a lot of talk (and worry) about power this past year. Utility bills have gone through the roof for most people and governments and industry have been really concerned about the reliability of energy supplies – most of us would never have heard the term “energy security” before. But there is another kind of POWER we think about (even if we don’t always speak about it) – power to influence or control people and situations, power to make life a bit easier for ourselves, perhaps the power of money. God knows all this but he is far more interested in a different kind of power altogether – the power of his Holy Spirit, the power of LOVE. There are two big differences – Where does it come from? It is GOD’S power – in a way it isn’t OURS, we don’t own it. It is intended for our selfish ends but to advance God’s purposes, to share his love. And secondly, what is it for? Many people use their power and influence to make a name for themselves, to make money, to make more comfortable or enjoyable but God’s power is to be used to love and serve our neighbours, to share the good news of Jesus, to give effect to the love, joy, peace, kindness and all the other qualities that Jesus lived out in his life and which he wants us to live out in ours. Jesus’ power isn’t a turned inwards power but an turned outwards – a power that is for others, for their good, for love. The Holy Spirit of Jesus makes it possible for us to be changed so that we are outwarding looking, Godward looking – people who have been given God’s power to love.
Let’s be open to his power of love, and be ready to put his love to the best possible use.
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Listen to the 2nd Prayer
Pray: Lord, most of us like power. We don’t often make a fuss about it but we do like to get things our own way. Thank you that Jesus always wanted to do things YOUR way. Help us to follow him by being ready to do things your way, loving and serving you and loving and serving others for your sake. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit, not just for a day, but for all our lives so that we change to become more and more like Jesus, people who love and serve our neighbours and you, our Heavenly Father. Bless all who are going through a tough time just now. May they know your strength and care. Show us how we can share in supporting and encouraging them. Thank you for the young people and families in our churches and the work that is done to help them get to know Jesus as their friend. Lord, we see the news and often there are stories about how nasty people are to one another and to children. We feel so powerless to change anything. Help us to believe that YOU are able to change things for the better, and to see that when we begin to trust you things do happen. We pray for our community – including the visitors who come around. May you be seen to be present in the midst of your people. In our prayer walk we remember those who live or work in Wellington Street and Place. We commit to you the week ahead and all we will do.
Hear us in a moment of quietness and we remember those who especially need your touch.
SILENCE. Hear our prayers Heavenly Father for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Blessing - May the Lord bless you. Amen.