John 20:19-23
19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silence bringing your attention to the Breath.
- As you breathe, receive the Holy Spirit.
- Peace be with you.
- As you breathe, feel the joy that arises when you see Jesus.
- Peace be with you.
- As you breathe, feel the joy that arises when you hear Jesus.
- Peace be with you.
- Receive the breath of Jesus. Notice the peace within you as you receive the breath.
- Notice how your breath is entwined with the breath the breath of the Holy Spirit.
- Notice how your breath is entwined with creation.
- Breathe and savor the peace of Christ.
- In this place of peace, notice the forgiveness you have for your neighbor, for the world, for yourself.
- What is your message from God?
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, June 4, 2017, the Day of Pentecost (Year A)
Acts 2:1-21
Numbers 11:24-30
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
John 20:19-23
John 7:37-39
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings (c) 2017 The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD