Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday include John 17:6-20 and Acts 1:15-17, 21-26.

In the liturgical calendar, Advent allows us time to prepare for Christmas; Lent allows us time to prepare for Easter; but what about Pentecost? The church is born with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and that is what we will be celebrating in just one more Sunday on May 27th. Is there time to prepare? Is there a reason to do so?

As you read the text from the Gospel of John keep in mind that this excerpt comes from Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. He is about to leave his disciples for his trek to the cross. Yet, he stops to pray to his Abba Father for those whom he loves dearly. Read through the prayer and then consider the following:

1. For what does Jesus pray?
2. What do you find most interesting about Jesus' petition?
3. Imagine that you are about to leave someone you love dearly and won't likely see again. What would your prayer for him/her be? How is your prayer different or the same as Jesus'?

In the reading from The Acts of the Apostles, Jesus has just ascended into heaven. Now the disciples must stop gazing toward the sky and take care of business. Read the passage carefully and then consider the following:

1. What is the decision that must be made?
2. Who is making the decision?
3. What is the process of discernment that is being played out here?
4. Regarding important decisions, what is your "process" for acting wisely?

We are less that two weeks away from Pentecost. That doesn't leave a lot of time to prepare. As you journey toward worship this week, prayerfully consider how you might need to "ready" your heart and mind for the blessed coming of the Holy Spirit.

As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday.
Shalom,
Glenda