The new sermon series is on the Holy Spirit. This is a tough one for me. I've realized that I haven't thought through a theology of the Holy Spirit since I have distanced myself from my Charismatic college days. I don't want to reduce the Holy Spirit to a vague force (the criticism of the Charismatics), but I also don't want to reduce the Holy Spirit to God's genie granting us our wishes (the criticism I have of the Charismatics). So, my liturgy this week is really saying that I don't really know who the Holy Spirit is. I'm hoping that listening to the upcoming sermon series will help me as I spend some time trying to grapple with who the Holy Spirit is.
I'm sure the symmetry of the confession will be lost on most of those speaking it, but I like it anyway, so there.
Confession
Spirit of God,
Who hovered over the waters,
Stirred the hearts of the prophets,
Baptized the church with fire,
Kept her through history:
We confess
We hardly know you.
Keep our lives today,
Fill and renew us with your fire,
Remind our hearts of Jesus' mission,
Help us form our world,
Spirit of God.
Assurance of Pardon
The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
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