The word Pentecost comes from the Greek word pentekoste {pen-tay-kos-tay'} which literally means “the fiftieth day.” In Jewish tradition, Pentecost is the second of the three great Jewish feasts. Pentecost was celebrated at Jerusalem every year in the seventh week after the Passover in gratitude for the harvest. Pentecost was the perfect day for the Holy Spirit to make an appearance to the fledgling Christians. The words of God through the prophet Joel (2:28) … “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” and the promises of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:49) … “I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven” are fulfilled on the “day” of Pentecost in Jerusalem after Jesus left the disciples “on their own.” And now they are alone no longer. And we are no longer alone either. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are continually in the presence of God for the Spirit of the Living God who lives within us. To the Corinthians (1 Cor 6:19) Paul writes, "don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?
In Paul’s letter to the Romans he speaks often of the Holy Spirit. Paul is a very dense writer. By that I mean he packs a lot of meaning into sentences which often run on for quite awhile. Paul requires the reader to be thoughtful in order to understand both what he says and the layers of meaning within. For those of us who simply do not believe that we pray well, Paul gives us hope.
I invite you to spend a few moments to prepare your heart to worship God as you pray with Scripture. Breathe deeply and envision God’s Spirit filling you with love with each breath you take! Settle into a place of confidence within yourself with a simple breath prayer. Use this one or create your own (six to eight syllables)
Breathe in (who do you worship?) Spirit of God (pause)
Breath out (what do you need?) pray through me now (pause)
and when you are ready to move deeper into the text ...
Pray: Spirit of God, O Living Flame of Love ... fill me with your presence and pray in me, pray with me, pray through me. I do not know how to pray, it is true, but I trust that you love me and are always with me. For your presence and for your love , I am forever grateful.
Amen … Amen … Amen
Step 1: Lectio … reading
Read Romans 8:22-27 to yourself twice in a slow and reverent manner.
Listen for a word or phrase that catches your attention.
Silently focus on that word or phrase.
Repeat it several times and allow it to sift through your heart and mind.
Romans 8:22-27
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Step 2: Meditatio … receiving
Continue to focus on your word or phrase.
Pay attention to the thoughts and feelings it evokes.
What images emerge in your imagination?
What memories come to your mind?
Ask God to continue to speak to you through this word
Listen for God’s reply as you move through your day
Step 3: Oratio … responding
Consider any desires that have been awakened by your prayer
Perhaps you have found an area of your life that needs attention
Do not rush ... wait and listen as God forms your prayers and desires
Step 4: Contempatio … resting
Allow yourself to rest in the silence.
Allow your mind to settle into the silence.
When you feel the time to move on ...
Pray this poem by John of the Cross (1542-1591). It is called The Living Flame of Love and the words flow from union of the soul into and with the intimate depths of the Spirit of God.
O living flame of love
that tenderly wounds my soul
in its deepest center! Since
now you are not oppressive,
now consummate! if it be your will:
tear through the veil of this sweet encounter!
O sweet cautery,
O delightful wound!O gentle hand! O delicate touch
that tastes of eternal life
and pays every debt!
In killing you changed death to life.
O lamps of fire!
in whose splendors
the deep caverns of feeling,
once obscure and blind,
now give forth, so rarely, so exquisitely,
both warmth and light to their Beloved.
How gently and lovingly
you wake in my heart,
where in secret you dwell alone;
and in your sweet breathing,
filled with good and glory,
how tenderly you swell my heart with love.
Amen … Amen … Amen
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