Prayer service

Health Progress, Jul/Aug 2001

THE SPIRIT OF GOD FILLS THE WORLD

LEADER Come, Spirit of God!

ALL Come with your power to transform us.

Come, Fire of Love!

Come with your wisdom to enlighten us.

LEADER Let us take a moment to quiet ourselves and be aware of the gift of God's Spirit dwelling within and among us as we gather to do God's work this day. (Pause for quiet reflection.)

SCRIPTURE I Cor 12:4-11

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Sprit is given for some benefit. To one is given the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith, to another gifts of healing, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these gifts are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

REFLECTION How has the Spirit spoken to my heart?

What am I (this organization) called by the Spirit to be? And to do?

Waht stirs my inner soul? What stirs the soul of this organization?

RESPONSE (Alternate sides when reciting the following)

Spirit of God, Spirit of Life! We remember and celebrate your dwelling within and among us.

Ever-present light, the spark of your inspiration has been with us every moment of our lives, always available to lead and guide us.

Spirit of God, your fiery presence gives us passion for what is vital and deserving of our enthusiasm.

Blazing Love, the radiant glow of your compassion fills us with awareness, kindness, and understanding.

Purifying Flame, your refining fire transforms us as we experience life's sorrow, pain, and discouragement.

Radiant Presence, your steady flame of unconditional love kindles our faithful and enduring relationships.

Thank you for being a shining Spark of Life within me.

CLOSING PRAYER

Spirit of God, you came in the form of fire and wind to the apostles and disciples. In your coming you changed timidity into boldness and fear into prophetic witness. Come to us, we pray, and transform our hearts. Help us to recognize the working of the Spirit among us so that we may be open to transformation. Let us use our gifts for the empowerment of others. Enkindle in us zeal for the coming of the kingdom. Amen.

SOURCES

Hymns: "Spirit Blowing through Creation," Marty Haugen. GIA Publications.

"Veni Sancte Spiritus," Les Pressses de Taize, GIA Publications, Inc.

"Send Us Your Spirit," David Haas, Gia Publications, Inc.

"Send Down the Fire,"Marty Haugen, GIA Publications, Inc.

Response: Adapted from Joyce Rupp, Out of the Ordinary, Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, IN