Prayer for Pentecost

Here is the responsive prayer we will be using for Pentecost.  The congregational response is from Martin Luther's Small Catechism.  It is the explanation of the 3rd Article of the Apostles' Creed.

PRAYER FOR PENTECOST

M: Praise to you, Holy Spirit. We worship and glorify you as the Lord and giver life. As you were present at the beginning of the world to shed life on all created things, as you gave new life of understanding to the disciples in your Pentecost baptism of fire, so by the baptism of water with the word, you have made the light of faith shine in our hearts to know Jesus as our Lord.
       In thanksgiving for your gifts to us, we confess:

C: I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him.
       But the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

M: Holy Spirit, all-seeing Counselor and fountain of all spiritual gifts, stand by us in the weakness of our sinful flesh. Grant us a right understanding of the truths that Jesus taught. Give us strength to endure with patience whatever afflictions God may send into our lives. Help us. Intercede for us. Train us that we may pray to the Father with boldness and confidence. Preserve us by the power of your word in our most holy faith as members of the Church, the body of Jesus, where there is forgiveness for all.

C: In this Christian Church, he daily and fully forgives all sins to me and all believers.

M: Holy Spirit, highest comfort in every need, in these gray and latter days of the world, strengthen our feeble hands, steady our weak knees, and encourage our fearful hearts. Remind us of your word and promises: “Be strong; do not fear. Your Lord will come again. He will come to save you.” And in your final, mighty, creative act, O Holy Spirit, raise up our bodies so that we, together with all the saints, may lift up our heads and with glorified eyes see our Savior drawing near.

C: On the Last Day he will raise up me and all the dead and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true. Amen.