Why do we neglect Pentecost? We celebrate Good Friday and Easter, and even Palm Sunday. We have Lent but do we have “Pent”? The mainline churches have the church calender and lectionary that give at least a nodding acknowledgement to Pentecost Sunday. The shame is that it is the independent and Pentecostal churches that ignore this important opportunity to shed light on the vital and vitalizing ministry of the Holy Spirit, and to rejoice and give thanks for their precious heritage. I plead guilty. Perhaps we need to start a “Pent” – 10 days of waiting expectantly and praying for the Spirit’s empowering. Here are 10 suggestions:
- We could encourage members to take extended time to pray in silence every day for 10 days until Pentecost Sunday.
- Or encourage that members follow a 10 days reading plan that include all the relevant Scriptures in Old and New Testament about the coming person and work of the Spirit.
- Be on the alert to the Spirit’s prompting to share the good news of grace to anyoneHhe directs during this period.
- Be sensitive to give a prophetic word of encouragement, comfort and strengthening to someone who is weary and burdened.
- Meet with other Christians in school, homes or workplace to pray with during the 10 days.
- Reflect on your spiritual gift and how it has developed and how it has been deployed. What is God doing through your grace-gift?
- Exalt Jesus in worship because that’s what the Spirit came to do. Use the gift of tongues, spiritual songs and hymns.
- Pray for 10 nationalities living or working in Singapore: Vietnamese, Chinese and Indian nationals, Thais, Myanmese, Indonesians, Malaysians, Bangladeshis, Japanese, Koreans, Filipinos, Sri Lankans, Taiwanese, and whoever else.
- If you are a pastor, how about preaching a sermons series on the Holy Spirit and open the altar for prayer at the end.
- Write a personal letter to the Holy Spirit appreciating Him for his faithful help and presence in your life.
