<Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words   (Romans 8:26 NRSV)

Lutheran Christians don't always know what to do or say about the Holy Spirit. We are usually more comfortable or forthright in speaking about the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. History and locality help us to imagine his work on earth on our behalf. The Spirit seems elusive and mysterious.
 
I have always appreciated George Croly's quiet hymn Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart. The simple yet profound words assist me in praying to and with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. They also correct the tendency to overidentify the work of the Spirit with drama and flamboyance.
 
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart. There is no way for us to climb up and reach God. We have no morality, reason, imagination, or strength to elevate ourselves into God's good graces. I am thankful that God freely descends to me and my plight. I am thankful that I don't need to live with the illusion that I meet God halfway. No, God the Spirit descends deep down into my heart.
 
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move. These words do not imply that earth and creation are intrinsically harmful. What they do imply is that we need the Spirit to separate our hearts from too much attachment to earth's feverishness and divisions. Even a step back from the best things on earth is necessary so that we fear, love, and trust God above all things. The Spirit moves through our hearts to wean us off harmful attachments.
 
Stoop to my weakness, strength to me impart. Forces in our lives tell us over and over again, "Buck up. Be strong. Fake it until you make it. Sell your competence." God's Spirit instructs us to be honest with our sinfulness and weakness. The esteem God bestows upon us is far more sustaining that the false esteem we conjure up within ourselves! What encouragement there is in that second clause. Strength-- to me-- impart.
 
And make me love you as I ought to love. To love God with my whole being and to love my neighbor as myself is not as simple and easy as it seems! Oh, we are grateful to the Holy Spirit who wakes us up and moves us to love God as we ought to love.

Let us pray. . .
Spirit of God, descend to us. Wean our hearts from too great attachment to earth's harmful impulses. Stoop to our weakness, sickness, and sin and impart strength. Make us to love you as we ought to love you. Amen

Contributed by Pastor Dan
Sunday June 12, 2011
Liturgical Year A:Week 29
Liturgical Color: Red
Sunday Gospel reading:

Day of Pentecost