Heavenly Father,
Today we remember that great moment in history when you poured out your Holy Spirit on all believers, marking us with a seal, a guarantee that we belong to your kingdom and your family, and empowering us to perform great acts for your glory and the furtherance of your gospel.
We remember the many amazing things that have been accomplished through your Holy Spirit since that time: we think of how your gospel has reached the ends of the earth through ministries of healing and mercy to the sick, gifts of generosity and hospitality to the needy, acts of justice for the marginal and oppressed, translation of your holy word into many different tongues, and the fearless preaching of the gospel throughout the world. None of these works would have been possible without your Holy Spirit leading, guiding and empowering these ministries.
We are so thankful for all that you have accomplished through the works of your servants, who have been your hands and feet and lips across the ages and across the world. Without the tireless efforts of the Christians of the past, we can safely say that none of us today would have heard your good news and responded to it.
And today, Father, we pray that your prophetic words will remain true for our generation, because there is still so much work to be done, still so many who need help, still so many who need to hear the good news that Christ has made a way for them to be with you forever. So we ask today, Father, that just like at that first Pentecost, you will pour out your Spirit on all your people. We pray that you will continue to put your words upon the lips of our sons and daughters. We know that across Australia the church is facing a drought of pastoral and ministry staff, and that across the world there are whole people groups who still can't even hear your word in their heart language.
We pray that you will raise up leaders among our young people, giving them dreams of how the world might be transformed to be more like what you want it to be; and we pray that you will give our existing leaders visions of how they can make that happen in ways that benefit us all. We pray that you will work wonders across the world, showing through your servants the wonders of your love, your mercy and your grace. Work in us by your Spirit to give us hearts that will be generous, giving, loving and selfless in the face of the needs, pains and sufferings that come before us.
In those past days, Pentecost was the time that saw over 3000 people added to your newly founded church, as people listened to the words of Peter. Let those same words be on our lips today: "Be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. Therefore repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Stay true to these words, Father, and keep us true to them by your Spirit, for we ask it in Jesus' name, Amen
