Liturgy for Pentecost Sunday, Year A (Matthew)
Introduction
The Day of Pentecost is the birthday of the church. The waiting is over. Wind fills the house, tongues of fire rest on each person, and the disciples speak in languages they did not know. Peter stands and proclaims that this is what the prophet Joel promised: God's Spirit poured out on all flesh. This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Day of Pentecost (Year A) and is shaped by themes of the Spirit's coming, the unity of the body, and the gift of new life breathed into God's people.
The lectionary readings at a glance
Acts 2:1–21 — The Spirit falls on the gathered disciples at Pentecost. Wind, fire, and languages. Peter quotes Joel: God will pour out his Spirit on all flesh. Sons and daughters will prophesy. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Numbers 11:24–30 — An alternate reading. Moses gathers seventy elders and the Spirit rests on them. Two men prophesy in the camp without being at the tent. Moses wishes that all God's people were prophets and that God would put his Spirit on all of them.
Psalm 104:24–34, 35b — A hymn to God the Creator. When God sends forth his Spirit, creatures are created and the face of the ground is renewed. The earth is full of God's creatures and sustained by his breath.
1 Corinthians 12:3b–13 — There are varieties of gifts, but one Spirit. One body, many members, each given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.
John 20:19–23 — The risen Jesus breathes on his disciples and says, receive the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit promised in the upper room is now given. The church is sent as the Father sent the Son.
John 7:37–39 — An alternate reading. On the last day of the feast, Jesus cries out: let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. He speaks of the Spirit, which believers were to receive after his glorification.
Call to worship — Option 1
One: The Spirit of God has been poured out on all flesh.
All: Sons and daughters prophesy. The young see visions. The old dream dreams.
One: There are many gifts, but one Spirit. Many members, but one body.
All: We come as one, gathered by the Spirit who unites us.
One: Come, Holy Spirit. Fill this place and renew our hearts.
All: We worship the God who breathes life into his people.
Call to worship — Option 2
One: When you send forth your Spirit, they are created.
All: You renew the face of the ground.
One: Jesus breathed on his disciples and said: receive the Holy Spirit.
All: We are a people made alive by the breath of God.
One: Let us worship the God who gives his Spirit without measure.
All: We come thirsty, and he fills us. Thanks be to God.
Opening prayer
Come, Holy Spirit. Fill us as you filled that upper room: with wind, with fire, with courage, and with life. You have been poured out on all flesh and you dwell among us still. Renew your church today, unite us in your gifts, and send us out as those who have been breathed upon by the risen Christ. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer of confession
Merciful God, we confess that we have often quenched your Spirit. We have held back from the gifts you have given, divided what you have united, and lived as though your power were not among us. Forgive us. Breathe your life into us again and make us the people you have called us to be. Amen.
Assurance of pardon
Hear the good news: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, filled, and sent.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer for illumination
Holy Spirit, you inspired the Word and you illuminate it still. Open our minds and hearts as Scripture is read and proclaimed. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Benediction
Go in the power of the Holy Spirit. You have been breathed upon by the risen Christ, gifted for the common good, and sent into the world. Go and make known what God has done.
For a full collection of benedictions and blessings, visit Benedictions and Blessings.
See also
Worship Resources
Calls to Worship
Opening Prayers
Prayers of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Prayer of Illumination
Benedictions and Blessings
