“A wind from God swept over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2)

Prayer
Spirit of God
Like a wind you swept over the earth while it was still a formless void. You were there before the beginning of time. You were with God and you were God. Spirit of God, you are our helper, enabler, comforter, supporting us in times of trouble and distress. In our world today you interpret for us the word and inspire your people, prompting us to pray for others and try to make you known in our communities. Break down the barriers in us and around us locally and in the wider world. We pray that you would continue to be with us throughout our lifelong journey with Christ; May we always be aware of you and thankful for you.
Amen

Reflection
“You may ask for anything in my name, and I will do it. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit. If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows you. But you know him for he lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:14-17)
The Spirit of God was promised by Jesus to his disciples, so they would not be afraid when Jesus goes back to the Father. God the father sent the spirit who is the spirit of truth, and this came down to earth and stayed since Jesus’s return.
Pentecost, which is fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus is one of the greatest and major celebrations of the church as it is considered the beginning of the church. It was traditionally celebrated as the birth of the church and now celebrated as the birthday of the church as we know it today. In Jesus’s day there was no church as we would recognise, only the temple in Jerusalem and the synagogues.
When the Holy spirit came down the disciples led by Peter went towards him and were made into his disciples. It was the spirit that led and sustained the disciples in their tasks of proclaiming the good news to all people and all the nations. The authority of Jesus was given to his disciples and their leader Peter.
The Lord Jesus told them “Peace be with you, as the father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21). When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them receive the Holy Spirit.
“Whose sins you forgive are forgiven and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20:23)
Today the church which was founded by the apostles is still around, growing and flourishing as it is the church that has been and will always be sanctified and guided by the Spirit of God.
Christians believe that the true church is the one that has Christ as its very foundation. The Holy spirit during Pentecost had given birth to the community of faith, hope and love with Jesus Christ at its head. Through and by baptism all Christians have received the Holy Spirit, but that does not mean we have grown into the spirit. There are certain signs, attributes and indicators that can help us to discern if the presence of the Holy Spirit is in us. We can show by the way we live our lives and the attitudes we have towards the people in our lives.
The Holy Spirit will enlighten us if we live in him. If we follow the commandment of God in love then the spirit whom the father had sent, would always be there for us. Every moment must be a life with and in the spirit, every heartbeat, and every breath we take and every grace that we receive will be through and from the spirit. (Acts 2)

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us now and evermore.
Amen 

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​Scottish Charity Number SC007453 ​