Feast of Pentecost A

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

• The gospel for the day
• (a useful commentary on the reading here)
  
• Some optional questions for reflection
  
• Prayers of Intercession
  
• Cluster Prayer
• The gospel of the week ahead with questions

John 20:19-23
As the Father sent me, so am I sending you: receive the Holy Spirit.

In the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.
‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’
After saying this he breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.
For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain,
they are retained.’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved.

Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com

Prayers of Intercession

Eight years ago this week, Pope Francis published his encyclical Laudato Si'. May God’s Spirit be poured out in a new and abundant way to renew humanity and all of creation. May we, the Body of Christ this Pentecost, open our hearts to Jesus’ challenge to live with love as our priority, in the care of our common home.

Come Holy Spirit     (R) Fill the hearts of your faithful

For nations who are at war, that the Spirit of Peace may reign in the hearts of all who are responsible for violence, so that real change for the better may take place.

Come Holy Spirit   (R) Fill the hearts of your faithful

For all those sitting exams at this time, that they will be strengthened to do their best and so attain their God-given potential.

Come Holy Spirit   (R) Fill the hearts of your faithful

For the Alpha Reunion on the 10th June, that all who attend will be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and be given the courage and strength they need to be missionary disciples.

Come Holy Spirit   (R) Fill the hearts of your faithful

For those recently touched by the Spirit through Baptism and Confirmation, that they will always allow God’s power to work through them.

Come Holy Spirit   (R) Fill the hearts of your faithful

For all gathered here, that our lives may be characterised by love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Come Holy Spirit   (R) Fill the hearts of your faithful

For all in our Cluster and those on the Prayer Foundation list, who are sick, lonely, housebound or in any kind of trouble. May the Holy Spirit give courage to the fearful and hope to anyone who is in despair.

Come Holy Spirit   (R) Fill the hearts of your faithful

For our deceased relatives and friends and in particular Audrey Brown, Christine Morrison, Liam O’Malley, Mary Boyle, Margaret Livingston.

May the Spirit awaken them to life without end and bring comfort to all who mourn them.

Come Holy Spirit   (R) Fill the hearts of your faithful

We will now say the Missionary Prayer together.

Prayer to be Missionary Disciples