These are the prayers I shared in worship at Central Presbyterian Church of Atlanta this Sunday. May the words bring you a glimpse of the Spirit of peace and comfort, passion and compassion, water and fire.
Peace,
Anna
Spirit of fire,
descend upon our hearts,
and dare us to join the dance of your flames.
Fill us with your presence,
and inspire us with your passion;
Let us see the world wrapped in Pentecost red,
so full of life that joy is bursting at the seams.
Challenge us by your spirit to be bearers of your peace,
midwives of your new life,
followers of your compassion.
Move us to recognize your spirit sweeping across the city and the world,
ready to release us from unjust systems and lifeless routines.
Move us to know the fragrance of your sweet spirit,
ready to revive us and breathe life into old bones.
Spirit of fire, descend upon our hearts,
and dare us to join the dance of your flames.
On this Pentecost day we give thanks for the birth of the church,
and we give thanks for the new life bubbling up on the margins.
We pray for new churches, seeking to follow you in a new way,
and old churches, seeking to follow you in a new day.
On this week of the anniversary of D-Day,
we pray for people impacted by war, families shattered by war,
lives ended by war, children who only know a world at war.
Spirit of peace, descend upon our world,
and dare us to follow your lead.
Spirit of fire, descend upon our hearts,
and dare us to join the dance of your flames.
Amen.
And also with you. 