Gracious Spirit
Wear RED on Sunday!
On Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. Pentecost is the conclusion of our 50-day Easter celebration and the day we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. It is the birthday of the church! The liturgical color is red, symbolizing love, fire, and the power of the Holy Spirit. There is a tradition in many parishes and denominations to wear red on this day to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.
One of our hymns on Sunday speaks particularly to the work we are called to as Christians through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Gracious Spirit, give your servants was written by the celebrated hymn-writer, the Rev. Carl P. Daw (b.1944), for the ordination of the Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Connecticut in 1996. This hymn is not just a prayer for the ordained, but a prayer for the whole church. It gives us our marching orders as disciples of Jesus, assures us that God’s love is indeed for everyone, and reminds us of the hope and love our faith proclaims.
Daw’s sensitivity to social justice issues and the words of comfort he provides in times of grief and turmoil are hallmarks of his hymnody, along with his ability to meld Biblical motifs with contemporary concerns. These are at the heart of today’s Episcopal theology. Joining together in song in our worship not only unites us in hope and love, it inspires us and gives us strength to act together for justice in the world.
So, wear RED on Sunday. We will sing our hearts out as we celebrate the birthday of the church and our call to work for justice in a weary world.
Gracious Spirit, give your servants
joy to set sin’s captives free,
hope to heal the brokenhearted,
peace to share love’s liberty.
Through us bring your balm of gladness
to the wounded and oppressed;
help us claim and show God’s favor
as a people called and blessed.
Word made flesh, who gave up glory
to become our great high priest,
taking on our human nature
to redeem the last and least:
let your courage and compassion
shape and guide our ministries;
as our Savior and our Shepherd,
lead us to the truth that frees.
Loving God, who birthed creation
from the nothingness of space,
kindling life where all was empty,
turning chaos into grace:
when we feel confused and fruitless,
dawn upon our restless night;
give us faith’s imagination,
hope’s renewing, love’s delight.
Triune God, eternal Being,
never ending, unbegun,
boundless grace and perfect justice,
righteous and forgiving One:
so enfold us in your mercy
that our wills and yours unite;
through us may the world behold you,
find your love, your truth, your light.
- Carl P. Daw. 8.7.8.7 D
Soli Deo Gloria!
Ben Keseley, Minister of Music
Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-717214