Opening Litany for Pentecost

Here’s an opening litany for Pentecost written by John Paarlberg.  It is set for four voices. leader and congregation.

Opening Litany: The Holy Spirit in Creation

First Reader (pouring water):

   In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
   The earth was without form and void,
   and darkness was upon the face of the deep;
   and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. (Gen. 1: 1-2)
   The voice of the Lord is upon the waters;
   the God of glory thunders,
   the Lord, upon many waters. (Psalm 29: 3)

Second Reader (with wind chimes):

   The wind blows where it chooses,
   and you hear the sound of it,
   but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.
   So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. (John 3: 8)
   The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl,
   and strips the forest bare;
   and in God's temple all cry, "Glory!" (Psalm 29:9)

Third Reader (carrying/ pouring soil):

   When you send forth your Spirit all living things are created;
   and you renew the face of the earth. (Psalm 104:30)
   The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it,
   the world and those who live in it. (Psalm 24:1)

Fourth Reader (with candle):

   I baptize with you water;
   but one more powerful than I is coming
   who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Luke 3:16)
   The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
   The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
   the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. (Psalm 29: 7-8)

Leader:

   May the Lord give strength to the people!
   May the Lord bless the people with peace! (Psalm 29:11)

— written by John Paarlberg, pastor of First Church in Albany, New York.  Copyright © 2012 Reformed Church Press.  Posted on the Reformed Church in America website.  Visit that website for other Pentecost litanies.

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