A prayer for renewal on Pentecost

There were two miracles on Pentecost celebrated by the followers of Jesus. The first miracle was of communication, which allowed God's message of love to overcome the barriers of native language. "We hear them declare the wonders of God in our own tongues" (Acts 2:11).

Christians often forget that Pentecost was celebrated as part of the Jewish calender long before Christ. Fifty days after Passover marked the festival of Shavout, the celebration of the gift of Torah. It was God speaking to Moses.

Jews gathered in Jerusalem for Shavout after the death of Jesus witnessed another miracle. With the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the apostles of Christ became the conduit of God speaking directly to all those willing to listen.

The second miracle was fellowship. Those touched by the message of God's love came together on earth as it is in heaven.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

A community was born. God had touched their hearts and filled them with brotherly love.

Now look at us. We are divided by nationality, politics, wealth, and denomination. Religious leaders serve the interests of the powerful and placate the privileged. The lessons of history are forgotten. We embrace the yeast of the Pharisees. We bow down to the hypocrites and vipers. We lust for wealth and trample the poor. We have brought shame on the name of the Lord.

On this Pentecost may there be a renewal of the spirit that we may again hear the voice of God and heal the body of Christ that we may again be an effective witness for God's love.