Celebrating Pentecost: The Birthday of the Church

Get ready for a Pentecost like no other as God pours out his Spirit across the earth

Waiting. It’s one of the toughest things to do.

The apostles experienced this firsthand when Jesus told them to wait. Just before ascending to Heaven he gave them this instruction, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised.” Acts 1:4 (GNT)

So they waited.

Fifty days after the Jewish Passover and Jesus’s resurrection, God did what he promised he would do. The Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles and filled them with power to spread Jesus’s message around the world.

This day is known as Pentecost. Originally a Jewish feast (Shavuot), it was celebrated in the Spring, 50 days after Passover and recalls when God gave Moses the Law on Mount Sinai. For Christians, Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter and marks the birth of the church.

What will Pentecost 2020 look like?

Today, we find ourselves in a time of waiting just like the apostles. Waiting for an end to the coronavirus. Waiting for this time of quarantine to be over. Waiting for a move of God.

But Pentecost is coming!

On May 31, 2020, on the birthday of the church, we are praying for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit just like he did in the Bible. That he would fill every believer and every church with power to share his love with a world that desperately needs it. We are praying for Acts 1:8 (GNT):

“But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.”

As the church moves into a time of greater evangelism, boldness and creativity, American Bible Society is supporting its efforts with biblical resources. We believe now is the time for the church to bring God’s hope and healing to the world. To remind that world that God hasn’t forgotten about them.

Will you join us as we pray for a powerful move of God this Pentecost?

Let’s Pray Together:

God, thank you that you have not left us alone but have sent your Spirit to be with us. We pray for a fresh outpouring of your Spirit this Pentecost. We pray that every believer and every church will be filled with the power of your Holy Spirit to be a witness for Jesus.

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Nena Podbury
Nena Podbury

Nena Podbury is a Prayer Mobilization Associate at American Bible Society. Originally from the Bronx, she served in children’s ministry for 12 years doing Sidewalk Sunday School. Nena is married with two children, Noah and Emilia.

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