Pentecost / Confirmation

Readings

• Genesis 11:1-9
• Psalm 143
• Acts 2:1-21
• John 14:23-31

Hymns

• 605 Father Welcomes
• 498 Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
• 661 The Son of god Goes Forth to War
• 660 Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
• 917 Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise

Order of Service: Divine Service Three / Rite of Confirmation

The Holy Spirit Gives Peace

Following the flood, Noah’s descendants failed to spread out and fill the earth as God had spoken. Rather, they exalted themselves; with “one language and the same words” (Gen. 11:1) they spoke proudly and arrogantly. The Lord humbled them by confusing “the language of all the earth,” dividing and dispersing the people (Gen. 11:9). That dispersal was reversed on Pentecost Day (the fiftieth day of Easter), when God caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in a multitude of languages. “At this sound the multitude came together” (Acts 2:6), for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance the words of Jesus, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. These words bestow forgiveness and peace to those who keep and hold on to them in love for Jesus. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Seventh Sunday of Easter 

Exaudi

Exaudi comes from the Latin translation of the first line of the introit (Exaudi Domine), meaning “Lord, hear my voice.” (Psalm 27:7)

Readings

• Ezekiel 36:22–28
• Psalm 51:1–12
• 1 Peter 4:7–11
• John 15:26—16:4

Hymns

• 868 Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun
• 498 Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
• 923 Almighty Father, Bless the Word

Order of Service: Divine Service, Setting Three

The Spirit of Truth Bears Witness to Jesus

The Spirit of Truth bears witness to Jesus, who is the truth. But the world does not receive the truth. It loves its own and hates those who are of the truth. Just as Jesus was scorned, so is His Church. “The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God” (John 16:2). Yet it is by Jesus’ suffering and death that we are saved. Therefore we rejoice to share in His sufferings, that we may also share in His resurrection glory (1 Pet. 4:7–14). Through the ministry of the Spirit of Truth, we are cleansed from the deceit of our idols and given a new heart and a new spirit, the heart and Spirit of Christ (Ezek. 36:22–28). He now works in us fervent, self-giving love for one another, love which covers a multitude of sins, “that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:11).