 Pentecost is the Christian term for the Jewish feast called Shavuot. It is a harvest festival that occurred fifty days after Passover ("Pentecost" is Greek for "fifty days"). Not only was it a feast of thanksgiving for a good harvest, but it also commemorated Moses' receiving of the Law of God at Mt. Sinai. In the Bible, Shavuot is also called the Feast of Weeks (Exodus 34:22  ), the Feast of Harvest or Ingathering (Exodus 23:16 ), and the Day of Firstfruits (Numbers 28:26 ). Because of the focus on harvest, wheat is often a symbol of this season of the church year. Consequently, because of its emphasis on both the grain harvest and the receiving of the Law of God and the grace of God by a non-Jewish Moabitess, the Book of Ruth is still read by practicing Jews at Shavuot even today. ................................................................................................................................................. Worship PrayerAlmighty God, You have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to bejoined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Based on a prayer from, "The Book of Common Prayer". |
