Description
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Jesus spoke to His disciples about the coming Holy Spirit. He foretold that the Holy Spirit would testify about Him, guide the disciples into all truth, and convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He assured them that they would not be alone, but that the Holy Spirit would empower them for their mission. As believers, we, too, are empowered by the Spirit of truth to be Christ’s ambassadors to the world. We can rely on His power to do miracles and transform others as we take steps to follow Him.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Pastor / Worship Leader
Good morning/afternoon/evening beloved family! Whether you are joining us in person or virtually, we are united in the spirit of fellowship. Today, we prepare for a journey through the Scriptures that speak to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, particularly focusing on The Day of Pentecost.
Time of Praise and Worship
For Me and My House (We Belong to the Lord)
Dustin Smith | Jordan Colle | Krissy Nordhoff, © 2021 119 Collective Songs; For Me and My House Songs; Integrity’s Praise! Music; Jordan Colle Music; Nordained Music
Holy Spirit
Bryan Torwalt & Katie Torwalt © 2011 Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Jesus Culture Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Here Again
Amy Corbett | Chris Brown | Steven Furtick, © Music by Elevation Worship Publishing
[Traditional Options]
Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord
ELW 395; LBW 163; LSB 497; LW 154
Son of God, Eternal Savior
ELW 655; LBW 364; LSB 842; LW 394; NCH 542
O Holy Spirit, Enter In
ELW 786; LBW 459; LSB 913; LW 160
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Let’s focus our hearts and minds on the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who is in our midst.
Worshipers
May the love of Father God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Let’s pray. Holy Spirit, just like you were in that upper room with the disciples,
Worshipers
Meet us here in this place.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We are desperate to experience You.
Worshipers
Move in us, we ask.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Breathe Your breath on us.
Worshipers
Bring these dry bones to life.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Move among us.
Worshipers
Stir our hearts as we worship. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
We come before the Lord in humility. Let us confess our shortcomings and seek His mercy.
Worshipers
Forgiving God, we acknowledge our need for Your grace. We miss the mark time and time again. As David prayed, we also echo his words. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Pastor / Worship Leader
By the mercy of the Father, the sacrifice of the Son, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we are clean, new, and free to walk in forgiveness. Praise the Lord!
Worshipers
Praise the Lord! Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Ezekiel 37:1-14
The prophet Ezekiel recounted a vision where God led him to a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing the desolation of Israel. Through God’s command, Ezekiel witnessed the miraculous reanimation of the bones, illustrating God’s power to restore and breathe life into the lifeless.
The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. 11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”
