Amongst the benefits of the Christian year is the rhythm of doctrine, the reminders of the high points of the Christian story and God's story with the world, a six month period from Advent to Trinity and then the ordinary Sundays that bracket the routine and ordinariness of our lives, and which say life in ordinary is ok. I've often wondered about singing Christmas carols in June; well, we sing about the resurrction and crucifixion all times and any time during the Christian year so why not the Incarnation?
Such thoughts came tumbling in while reading and praying again, a prayer written by Doug Gay for Pentecost 2016. Doing some housekeeping amongst my files I came across it and found that it was saying things I need to hear and pray all year, each day, not just Pentecost. So here it is, with thanks to Doug for a prayer which sounds like a 21st century prayer by George MacLeod of Iona. Doug will understand why I say that, I hope. This prayer has a rhythm and climate formed in the recognisable coalescence of biblical image and Scottish spirituality sensible of the sounds and scenery of God's creation around us.
The tapestry is my own design, Pentecost and Eucharist, a celebration of the Creator Spirit who gives life, nourishes and makes fruitful all that God has made.
Joy and wonder and promises fulfilled
Wind and Fire and strangers welcomed
This is what you bring Holy Spirit –
and so we worship you this morning
Like the graceful descent of a dove
Like water springing up from its source
Like the wind stirring green Spring leaves
Like fruit which ripens into sweetness
This is what you are like Holy Spirit –
and so we worship you this morning
Wind moving over the face of the deep
Breath warming Eden’s clay
Words brimming in the mouth of the prophet
Life conceiving in Mary’s Womb
Body rising from the grave
Breath sending out disciples
Presence making Jesus present
This is what you do Holy Spirit –
and so we worship you this morning
Co-equal, co-eternal,
Third person of the Holy Trinity
Comforter, Counsellor, Advocate
Giver of life and Bringer of freedom
This is who you are Holy Spirit and so we worship you this morning
Calling on you to come and fill our hearts as we gather here,
To come and renew our lives.
Lord Spirit, hear our prayer and hear us as
We worship you and give you glory,
with the Father and the Son,
One God, forever to be praised, AMEN.
(Rev Dr Doug Gay, 2016, Pentecost)
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