St. James Ignite Prayer Service Opening G8 week 11

Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart Opening Prayer to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen

Hear, my child and accept my words, that the years of your life

may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you Proverb4:10-14 in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her for she is your life.

The word of the Lord Response: Thanks be to God

Opening Song Granted by Josh Groban

Reading John 14:15-21; 25-28 The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Please Stand. Sign forehead, lips and heart.

A reading from the gospel according to John.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.

I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You have heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you love me, you wouldand. rejoiceSign forehead, that I am lips going and heart.with the Father, because the Father is greater than I. The gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you Lord

Reflection: In his farewell speech to his Apostles, Jesus tells them that he will return to the Father, but he will not leave them orphaned. The

Father will give them another advocate-the Holy Spirit. We also receive the Holy Spirit through our baptism and we are sealed with the Holy Spirit on our confirmation. The Holy Spirit will defend us from evil and sin and bring us peace. Through the fruits and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he will guide us into all Truth, by helping us to grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words, actions, and miracles. Jesus lives in us through the Holy Spirit. .

Faith Focus: Tonight we will focus on exemplifying all the fruits and gifts you have received from the Holy Spirit. We have been blessed to support you during your faith formation. We are so proud of all of you! We are ready to welcome you as fully initiated members of our faith community, and look forward to sharing your time, talents, and treasure. Look not upon your confirmation as the end, but rather as the beginning, a new beginning on your journey with Christ. Your opportunities are endless! You have been given the instruction, hold it near, for now it is time for you to go forth and live the light.

Session 1: Decision Point 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 How will Confirmation change you?

Session 2: Prayer Journals, Song Reflections, Saint Spotlight-John the Baptist Activity: Holy Spirit doves and flames for confirmation ceremony, Holy Spirit balloon lesson

Game: Right Left Easter Story Game

Dear God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen