Ordinary Time

Pause

The Holy Spirit is ever present.

The Spirit walks on either side of us, supports us from behind, lightens our load underneath, and blazes the journey ahead.

This week, remember the presence of God’s Spirit as we celebrate Pentecost — the birthday of the Church.

Listen

Lord, you have done so many things! You made them all so wisely! The earth is full of your creations! And then there’s the sea, wide and deep, with its countless creatures— living things both small and large. There go the ships on it, and Leviathan, which you made, plays in it! All your creations wait for you to give them their food on time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled completely full! But when you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to dust. When you let loose your breath, they are created, and you make the surface of the ground brand-new again.

Psalm 104:24-30

Think

It was during a seminary mission trip to New England that I first experienced Niagara Falls. The sheer force and power of water sounded like the crescendo of a great chorus or symphony. I experienced the same emotions some years later in Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls. In recent years, I have experienced the same awe, but in more peaceful atmospheres at the Grand Canyon and the Pacific Ocean, much like the quiet sections of the same chorus or symphony.

In Psalm 104 the psalmist notes the order of creation. In many ways, creation itself is the song of praise and worship to God, the creator.

The Spirit who walks with me and gives me power is the same Spirit who created and continues to create the universe. Pentecost reaffirms that the outpouring of God’s Spirit is available to me daily, which provides stability and a spiritual center for the journey of faith. Take a moment today to appreciate the gift of God’s creative Spirit.

Tom Baynham

Pray

Gracious God, I ask for ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to receive the presence of your Spirit in the center of my life daily. May your Spirit consistently stimulate me in worship, praise, and witness. Amen.

Go

Holy Spirit, living breath of God,
Breathe new life into my willing soul.

Give me passion for your purity;
Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me.

from “Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God” by Getty and Townend, 2005