Praying Acts 11:4-18

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I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Holy Spirit, Comforter, in this season of Pentecost we celebrate your presence. As Jesus promised, you give us the joy which endures deep within, a joy which carries us even in times of trial.

You do not impose, you come to strengthen us, defending the dignity of each person. *
And in our great diversity it is in you that we find unity and peace.

- Br. Aloise, Taizé

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

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Scriptural Theme

So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

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Praying Acts 11:4-18 (New International Version)

Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.' I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.' As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. *
Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?"

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life."

Response to the Scripture

Pour out your Spirit on all flesh; refine us that we may be able to stand in the day of your coming.

Draw near to God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart

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The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”

Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

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Ending Prayer

The arms of God be around my shoulders,
the touch of the Holy Spirit upon my head,
the sign of Christ’s cross upon my forehead,
the sound of the Holy Spirit in my ears,
the fragrance of the Holy Spirit in my nostrils,
the vision of heaven’s company in my eyes,
the conversation of heaven’s company on my lips,
the work of God’s church with my hands,
the service of God and my neighbor in my feet,
a home for God in my heart, and to God, the Father of all, my entire being.
Amen. 

- St. Fursey

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 6: Pentecost Bridge Prayer – “Global Evangelism and Revival” )