Pentecost Imaginative Prayer

All Sing Chorus of Feel the Power by Michael Mangan

(Album-True Colours Shine)
Scripture (Acts 2:1-8)
Reader 1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly
from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where
they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each
of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the
Spirit gave them ability.
All Sing Chorus of Feel the Power
Reader 2 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And
at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in
the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, Are not all these who are
speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?
All Sing Feel the Power (whole song)
Meditation
Leader First, take a moment to still yourself. Make sure you have nothing in your hands. Your feet
are both resting on the floor. Your back is relaxed, but straight. Your eyes are closed. Concentrate
on your breathing. Breath is Gods love, the light of Jesus and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
Remember that you are in the presence of God and the Holy Spirit is upon you. Ask God to open
your heart and your imagination.
(Pause)
Imagine now that you are one of the people gathered in the room in the Pentecost story we have
just heard. Imagine the scene as if we are standing right there. What is around you? What do you
hear in the scene? What noises are in the house or in the street outside? What can you the smell?
Who else is there? What are you all talking about? What is the mood tense?... joyful?...
confused? angry?
(Pause)
Can you see Peter and John? What are they doing?
(Pause)
The disciples were gathered there to pray because Jesus had told them to wait in Jerusalem until
the Holy Spirit came to them. Then they would receive the power they needed to become Jesus
witnesses throughout the world. But they couldnt feel Jesus spirit. They were huddled in fear in
that room. What does it feel like to be part of that?
(Pause)
Jesus mother, Mary is there. She was there at the birth of Jesus and here now at the birth of the
Church. What is she saying to you? This is someone who knows about the Holy Spirit. Listen to
what she is saying.
(Pause)

There are lots of people outside who had gathered to give thanks for the abundant harvest. What
sounds are they making?
(Pause)
Suddenly a huge noise like a strong driving wind drowns everything out. Its like a storm or a
cyclone. What are you feeling now?
(Pause)
Breathe in the wind. Can you sense the Holy Spirit in the wind? Let it take your breath away.
(Pause)
And now something like a flame appears and hovers in the air. It splits into many flame-like
presences, which hover over each person in the room. You look around and see the flame on
everyone elses head. You see them being filled with the spirit. You realise that the fire hovers over
you too. Feel the fire spread through your body.
(Pause)
Now, empowered by the Spirit, what are you going to do? Will you join the disciples outside telling
everyone about Jesus? What will you say or do? What ability has the Spirit given you to spread
the good news of Jesus? What has the Spirit fired you up to do?
(Pause)
Open your eyes and return to this room. The Holy Spirit is here, too. We are part of the present,
now-happening breathing of Gods Spirit among us.
(Pause)
Leader Lets pray together this beautiful prayer by St Augustine.
All Holy Spirit Prayer
Breathe into me, Holy Spirit,
That my thoughts may all be holy.
Move in me, Holy Spirit,
That my work, too, may be holy.
Attract my heart, Holy Spirit,
That I may love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit,
That I may defend all that is holy.
Protect me, Holy Spirit,
That I may always be holy.