Pentecost is one of the seven principal feasts of the Church Year. It is always on a Sunday, the 50th and final day of Easter. Red is the color of Pentecost (e.g., a red overlay on the communion table, pulpit, and lectern, and red banners on the walls). The following liturgy is adapted from the Book of Common Prayer. See also “Resources for Celebrating Pentecost.”
PROCESSIONAL HYMN While the Ministers enter and the candles are lit, a fitting hymn is played. E.g.,
ACCLAMATION The first words spoken are the acclamation.
Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed!
CALL TO WORSHIP Then, the Minister greets the people and issues a call to worship. For example,
Happy Lord’s Day, and happy Pentecost! Today, on this fiftieth and final day of the Easter season, we celebrate that Jesus Christ, having ascended to the right hand of God, received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, and poured out the Spirit upon the Church to guide us into all truth and empower us for mission.
Gregory of Nazianzus said, “We celebrate Pentecost and the dwelling with us of the Spirit and the appointed time of promise and the fulfillment of hope. The mystery is as great as it is venerable. … Honor the day of the Spirit. … Today let us keep feast.” “The Holy Spirit always was and is and will be, without beginning, without end, … invisible, eternal, uncontainable, unchanging, without quality, without quantity, without form, intangible, self-moving, ever-moving, self-determining, self-powered, all-powerful. … He is life and creates life, he is light and distributes light, he is the goodness itself and source of goodness. He is the upright Spirit, sovereign, Lord; he sends, sets apart, builds a temple for himself, guides, acts as he wills, distributes gifts. He is the Spirit of adoption, of truth, of wisdom, of understanding, of knowledge, of piety, of counsel, of strength, of fear, … through whom the Father is known and the Son is glorified, and by whom alone he is known.”
And so we call upon this same Spirit to come now, afresh and anew, in the words of the ancient hymn, “Veni, Creator Spiritus”—“Come, Creator Spirit”:
Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,
and in our souls take up your rest;
come with your grace and heavenly aid
to fill the hearts which you have made.
O comforter, to you we cry,
O heavenly gift of God Most High,
O fount of life and fire of love,
and sweet anointing from above.
You in your sevenfold gifts are known;
you, finger of God’s hand we own;
You, promise of the Father, you
who does the tongue with power imbue.
Kindle our sense from above, and
make our hearts overflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
the weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
and grant to us your peace instead;
so shall we not, with you for guide,
turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may your grace on us bestow
the Father and the Son to know;
and you, through endless times confessed,
of both the eternal Spirit blessed.
Now to the Father and the Son,
who rose from death, be glory given,
with you, O Holy Comforter,
henceforth by all in earth and heaven.
ALL: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
OPENING PRAYER (COLLECT)
Let us pray.
Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Let’s listen attentively as we let God’s Word be the first word that we hear.
FIRST READING A layperson reads the first passage from the lectern Bible.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, beginning at verse 1:
[Acts 2:1–21]
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Alternatively, Genesis 11:1–9 may be read for the First Reading, and Acts 2:1–11 may be read for the Second Reading. Pentecost is the reversal of the Tower of Babel and the beginning of God’s reunification of humanity in Christ through the Church.
PSALM Psalm 104:24–35 may be sung from the Seedbed Metrical Psalter to the tune of “The Church’s One Foundation” (see the embedded video at the end of this article). If the Psalm is read, no introduction is given, and the Gloria Patri is said after the Psalm.
The appointed Psalm for the Feast of Pentecost is Psalm 104, which celebrates that when God sends forth his Spirit, creation is renewed. Ephesians 5:18 instructs the New Testament church to “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms,” and Colossians 3:16 likewise exhorts us, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms.” This morning, let’s rejoice in God’s life-giving Spirit by singing Psalm 104:24–35 to the tune of “The Church’s One Foundation.”
24 How many are Your works, Lord, in wisdom You made all!
25 The earth and sea are filled with Your creatures, great and small.
26 The ships go to and fro; the leviathan live there.
27 These all look unto You for their food You give with care.
28 When You open Your hand, and give food to all You’ve made,
They eat it, satisfied with the good that You’ve displayed.
29 But when You hide Your face, they with fear are terrified;
When You take back their breath, they return to dust and die.
30 When You send forth Your Spirit, they are created new;
Your Spirit does with power the face of earth renew.
31 So may the glory of the Lord God endure always,
And may the Lord rejoice in His works that give Him praise.
32 He looks at earth—it trembles; at His touch, mountains smoke.
33 I’ll praise the Lord forever; His praise I will invoke.
I’ll sing praise to my God for as long as I may live.
34 O may my meditation be pleasing which I give.
34 May my thoughts always please Him, as I joy in the Lord.
35 But may the sinners perish, and wicked be no more.
O praise the Lord, my soul, and rejoice in Him always;
O bless the Lord, my soul, and forever give Him praise.
SECOND READING
A reading from Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, Chapter 8, beginning at verse 14:
[Romans 8:14–17 is read]
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
HYMN E.g.,
GOSPEL READING A Minister reads the Gospel.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John, Chapter 14, beginning at verse 8:
[John 14:8–17, 25–27 is read]
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
HYMN E.g.,
CATECHISM QUESTION Question 37 of the catechism is said responsively.
Brothers and sisters, we have heard the Word of the Lord. Now, let us answer this question:
Why was the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost?
God poured out the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to apply the benefits of Christ’s redemption by uniting us to Christ by faith and to one another in love as a people out of every nation, tribe, and tongue. Through his Spirit, Christ calls, convicts, comforts, guides, sanctifies, defends, and gives gifts to the Church.
Question 36 may also be asked (“Who is the Holy Spirit?”).
THE SERMON The Minister expounds one or more of the Scripture lessons, and may draw from the catechism question. Recommended length: 1200–1500 words.
THE NICENE CREED
Let us confess our faith with a loud voice in the words of the Nicene Creed:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
- For our church to be guided by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14)
- For empowerment to walk in the Spirit and in true holiness (Galatians 5:16)
- For the gifts of the Spirit to be stirred up in us for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7)
- For our church to bear the fruit of the Spirit in our relationships with one another (Galatians 5:22–23)
- For unity and peace in the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3)
- For the comfort and inner healing of the Spirit in hurting hearts and lives (John 14:26–27)
- For boldness in the Spirit to be Christ’s witnesses (Acts 1:8)
- For souls to be born again by the Spirit’s regenerating power (Titus 3:5)
THE INVITATION
It is the work of the Spirit to make Christ truly present in his body, the Church, as we gather in his name for the ministry of Word and Sacrament. If you truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from this point forward in his holy ways; draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God.
THE CONFESSION
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; we acknowledge and lament our many sins, which we have, from time to time, most grievously committed, by thought, word, and deed, against your divine majesty. We earnestly repent, and are sincerely sorry for our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous to us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. For the sake of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ABSOLUTION
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in your great mercy you have promised forgiveness to all who turn to you with sincere repentance and true faith. Have mercy upon us; pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Our Savior speaks comforting words to all who truly turn to him: “Come unto me, all you that are burdened and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, “That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins.
THE SURSUM CORDA AND THE SANCTUS
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto our God.
It is fitting and right to do so.
O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God, it is very fitting, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto you. According to the most true promise of Jesus Christ our Lord, the Holy Spirit came down from heaven, lighting upon the Apostles, to teach them and to lead them into all truth; giving them boldness and fervent zeal to constantly preach the gospel to all nations, by which we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of you, and of your Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you, and saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Glory be to you, O Lord most high. Amen.
HYMN E.g.,
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION The congregation may be reminded to keep their eyes open for this prayer, which contains the words of institution that must never be omitted.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father; of your tender mercy, you gave your only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption. By once offering himself there, he made a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, offering, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world.
So now, most merciful Father, we humbly ask you to bless and sanctify, with your Word and Spirit, these gifts of bread and wine; and grant that we may receive them according to the holy institution of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, in remembrance of his death and passion, and be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.
In the same night that he was betrayed, he took* bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake* it; and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this* is my Body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise after Supper he took* the Cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink you all of this; for this* is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins: Do this as often as you shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
ALL: Christ has died;
Christ is risen;
Christ will come again.
THE MINISTRATION The Minister may then say,
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
The Ministers receive the Bread and Cup, and then immediately deliver it to the people, saying,
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, [which was given for you, preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith, with thanksgiving.]
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, [which was shed for you, preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.]
Or, the Minister may say,
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven.
During the distribution, a fitting hymn may be played. For example,
If the consecrated bread or wine is consumed before all have communed, the Minister consecrates more, repeating the Prayer of Consecration. When all have communed, the Minister covers what remains of the consecrated elements with a fair linen cloth.
COLLECT
O God, on this day you taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Or,
Almighty God, grant that your Church may always remain a holy people, formed as one by the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which manifests to the world the Sacrament of your holiness and unity and leads it to the perfection of your charity. Through Christ the Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray.
Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
DOXOLOGY “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” is sung.
The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or power. He is a person—the third person of the Trinity, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. He is of one substance, majesty, and glory with the Father and the Son, true and eternal God. Let’s conclude with a note of praise to our Triune God.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
THE BLESSING & SENDING
Now may God, according to the riches of his glory, grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Amen.
Let us bless the Lord and exalt his name among the nations.
Thanks be to God.