I Saw the Spirit

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” John 1:29-34

Creator, you breathe your spirit

across the land and the seas

you give us your life and breath

renew our spirits in these times.

Savior, you stood deep in the water

baptized for once and for ever

we are sinking and fighting storms

struggling to hold on against the tide.

We are weary as this Lent begins

we are weak and always fearful

yet you lift us up every morning

and breathe your spirit every day.

Empower us today to get up again

strengthen us to serve and welcome

baptize us with power and humility

so love might flow like deep waters. Amen.