PENTECOST SUNDAY

Romans 8:12-25

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Come Holy Spirit

Make us children of the Living God

We see a world in pain

Brother afraid of brother

Sister turning on sister

Renew our hearts, Loving Spirit

Push out the hate and fear

Remove the prejudice within us

and the indifference that cripples our relationships

Make us truly brothers and sisters again

Come Holy Spirit

Make us children of the Living God

We see a planet that is scarred

Her waters fouled

Her skies filled with blankets of smog

Her landscapes torn asunder

Refresh our hands, Creating Spirit

that we may be stewards not abusers

of this precious gift of planet Earth

Renew our efforts to be its caretakers

so that its waters are pure

its skies bright blue

and it's lands fresh and green

Come Holy Spirit

Make us children of the Living God

Our churches have become empty shells

filled with noise and chatter and conflict

Songs out of tune and hollow fellowship

Restore our commitment, Loving Spirit

to preach the Good News to the poor

give sight to the blind

hope to the forsaken

Spread the Word

that our God reigns

and God's Kingdom is among us

Come Holy Spirit

Make us children of the Living God

Renew our hearts

Refresh our hands

Renew our commitment

Amen