Prayer and Readings for MAY 19, 2024 - The Day of Pentecost

Prayer (Collect)
ALMIGHTY GOD, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit:  Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Readings for 5-19-24
First Reading - Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 104:25-35, 37
Second Reading - Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21
Gospel Reading - John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

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Pentecost

Pentecost means the fiftieth day in Greek.  It is also called Whitsunday (white Sunday) from the white clothing that was worn by those to be baptized at Pentecost. 

On Pentecost, we celebrate the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles to sustain their faith, bringing comfort and strength.  After receiving this gift, the apostles went out to preach, teach and baptize in the name of Christ. 

The vestment color for the day is red. 

Trinity Sunday is the first Sunday after Pentecost when the doctrine of the Trinity is celebrated.  The color for Trinity Sunday is white.

The season of Pentecost lasts until the first Sunday in Advent.  The color for the season of Pentecost is green, a period of growth and development for all Christians.

Source:  Forward Movement, Seasons of the Church Year, 2014