Today is Ascension Day – the day on which we commemorate Jesus ascension into heaven where he now sits at the right hand of God. For me this day is closely associated with Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit which we celebrate next week. Here is a liturgy I wrote recently that focuses on this, though I must confess most of the credit must go to our St Alban’s rector John Leech whose sermon last week I have drawn on heavily.
God whose glory fills our world
God whose life is closer than breath
God whose love is stronger than death
God, this God of life and love
Has sent an advocate to save us
Jesus Christ the righteous, now at the right hand of God
Not to condemn but to bring full life
Not to accuse but to redeem
Not to reject but to draw close
God, this God of life and love
Has sent an advocate to save us
Jesus Christ the righteous, now at the right hand of God
God who hears the cry of our seeking souls
God who sees the pain of our suffering bodies
God who feels the loss of our grieving spirits
God, this God of life and love
Has sent an advocate to be with us forever
The Spirit of truth abides with us eternally
Before us to teach and lead,
Within us to comfort and heal,
Around us to shield and protect,
God, this God of life and love
Has sent an advocate to be with us forever
The Spirit of truth abides with us eternally