Ascension through to Pentecost

You are all perhaps familiar with, seen, or may have been part of, the phenomenon known as a Mexican Wave.  A Mexican wave is an outpouring of enthusiasm and encouragement.  However, it only works well because all the individuals work together as a unit.  We have been on the breathless journey through Jesus’ birth, baptism, wilderness experience, life and ministry, his arrest, torture and execution by crucifixion, his resurrection and post-resurrection appearances to many followers and his closest disciples.  The stunned disciples and witnesses have needed time to get used to Jesus being risen, alive and around, although not always visible or physically present.  Jesus has prepared his disciples, he leads them away from the city, and before the disciples watch Jesus being taken into heaven until a cloud hides him from their sight,  Jesus blesses them and commands them to return to Jerusalem, to pray and wait, because God is going to send the Holy Spirit to empower them and equip them for the work they will be doing to spread the news of God’s love throughout the world, a bit like a never ending Mexican wave.  For us as Christians to pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, in the 10 days between Ascension and Pentecost is a long tradition of the Church. 

These past few months have been confusing and frightening for many of us and our families as we live through a global epidemic, everything has changed.   Yet the transformation of suffering is part of the meaning of Ascension, just as the cross of Jesus was.  I have written to everyone on our electoral role and enclosed a card and a prayer, inviting you to become part of the global wave of prayer from 21st May – 31st May, Ascension to Pentecost.  We will be joining in the Thy Kingdom Come initiative.  Alongside praying for 5 people who we hope and pray might come to faith, we are also asked to pray the Lord’s Prayer, for the coming of God’s Kingdom of justice and peace.  I encourage you to be filled with hope, pray expectantly, and ask for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to come into your life, our church and the areas we live in.  Our hope rests on the faithfulness of God in Christ, please take part and let us as disciples continue to build the Kingdom of God to the glory of God.

Every blessing in being part of the global wave of prayer!

© 2020 Reverend Gillian Shilkoff