Pentecost Prayers

Pentecost is a feast celebrated by many Christian denominations. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1–31).

The term Pentecost comes from the Greek Πεντηκοστή (Pentēkostē) meaning "fiftieth". It refers to the Jewish festival celebrated on the fiftieth day after First Fruits, also known as the "Feast of Weeks"^[i] and the "Feast of 50 days" in rabbinic tradition.

Ancient map of Jerusalem

This 1472 map of Jerusalem notes the place of the Pentecost - Ubi apostoli acceperunt spiritum sanctum - at the location of the Cenacle.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Pentecost is one of the Orthodox Great Feasts and is considered to be the highest ranking Great Feast of the Lord, second in rank only to Pascha (Easter). The service is celebrated with an all-night vigil on the eve of the feast day, and the divine liturgy on the day of the feast itself. 

The liturgical celebrations of Pentecost in Western churches are as rich and varied as those in the East. The main sign of Pentecost in the West is the color red. It symbolizes joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit. 

Come, Creator Spirit - come, holy spirit

Tu septiformis munere, dextrae Dei tu digitus, tu rite promissum Patris, sermone ditans guttura.

Thou who art sevenfold in thy grace, finger of God's right hand, divine promise, teaching little ones to speak and understand.

A secular iconography in both Western and Eastern Churches reflects the belief of the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the day of Pentecost and her central role in the divine concession of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles. 

The Catholic and the Orthodox Churches accord the Mother of God a special form of veneration called hyperdulia. It corresponds to the special power of intercessory prayers dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary over those of all saints. 

Shavout - prayers for peace in Israel

Popes have stated that Mary prayed to God and her intercession was capable to persuade God to send the Holy Spirit as a permanent gift to the Twelve and their successors, thus forming the Apostolic Church.

According to legend, King Arthur always gathered all his knights at the round table for a feast and a quest on Pentecost. On this day in the year 2021 may all of us gather to pray for ever lasting peace in Jerusalem. 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
“May peace be within your walls,
And prosperity within your palaces.”
(Psalm 122:6-7 NASB)