Pentecost-themed Lunchtime Lectio
Every Thursday in term time, we have Midweek Connect from 10:00 am in the Kerith Centre (more info on what this is and what happens there at the end of this blog). Today within our gathering, we had the privilege of Tim Street leading us in our Lunchtime Lectio — our midday scripture based reflective prayer time — that focused on Pentecost. As we approach Pentecost this weekend, I (Pelumi) thought that this would benefit our wider Church community and beyond, so I asked Tim to share his notes with us in their purest form!
Lunchtime Lectio, 21 May 2026
with Tim Street
Welcome to the Lunchtime Lectio. Thank you for joining us.
Last term we looked at the different names of God as they appear in the Bible. This term, since Easter, and as we have been looking towards Pentecost, we have been looking at the different names given to the Holy Spirit in the bible.
However, this coming weekend is Pentecost Sunday, so rather than looking at a particular name of the Holy Spirit, let’s reflect on Pentecost and the run up to it.
PAUSE
As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.
PAUSE
Pentecost is the time we remember when the Holy Spirit came onto the believers in power. Acts 2 says:
'On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 'Acts 2:1-4 NIV
If we think about all the previous times in the Bible where God revealed himself though fire… a burning bush to Moses in the desert, a pillar of fire in exodus, at Mount Sinai “He descended upon the mountain in fire and thick smoke”. In all those moments fire is seen on an object; but here we see His fire, His tangible presence resting on people.
On the day of Pentecost 3000 people came to faith. “…and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47 NIV
This was the church literally set on fire. Pentecost is when God set the global salvation plan into action and begins to build his Church.
And He is still active in us today. You might say, “But Tim, I’m not seeing 3000 people come to Christ when I talk about Jesus?”
How would you react if you did see that happen?
PAUSE
Let’s scroll back and look at what Jesus says to the believers before his ascension, only 7 days beforehand.
'On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. ' Acts 1:4-9 NIV
‘You will receive power’. So, what does it mean for us to receive His power?
A definition of power is “the capacity to direct, influence, or accomplish something”.
In human terms, power might mean to control something or someone. To make something happen.
How have you been trying to make something happen, trying to achieve something, trying to control something?
PAUSE
I heard a post by Pete Greig, of 24-7 prayer, recently where he says:
“Don’t you love the fact that Jesus was so bad at starting a religion? Never wrote a book, never thought of a name for this ‘thing’. Never started a bible college.
He just made friends with 12 people. Jesus found time, even though he was the messiah, to go fishing; to go on picnics; and go to parties. Which means he was officially less busy than almost every Christian leader you’ve ever met. And more fun.
Three years to save the planet and he’s making time for fishing, and parties… …There’s something so beautiful about the way of Jesus. Frederick Beuchner once said this: ‘The only person who didn’t have a messiah complex in history of the world was the messiah’.
He was just so supremely relaxed. Non-reactive. Had time. Wasted time, at times it seems. I find that deeply compelling…”
Where is this ‘power’ in Jesus’ ministry? Where was he controlling, or stressing out because the disciples weren’t doing what he had asked of them. No, Jesus’ power was so much more effective than we can imagine. And through the Holy Spirit we can tap into that efficacy, but only if we lay down our desire to control.
PAUSE
“A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” Psalms 90:4 NIV
Am I carrying troubles in my mind, from the worries of this day?
I draw near to You, God. I lay these troubles at your feet.
PAUSE
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Am I trying to take control of the plans He has for me? Am I trusting Him and His faithfulness?
PAUSE
God of grace, thank you that when I was lost, you found me and when I was ashamed you forgave me, nailing the accusations against me to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14). I receive your forgiveness now.
PAUSE
COMMUNION
Let us follow Jesus’s command to remember his body and blood shed for us on the Cross so that we could stand blameless before God.
Heavenly Father
As we prepare to take communion, we ask for your forgiveness for all that we have done wrong, for the areas in our lives where we have fallen short, gone our own way or given in to our selfish and controlling ways.
By your mercy and grace wash us clean.
We come with grateful hearts to remember your sacrifice on the cross, your broken body and blood shed so that we would be forgiven.
We thank you for your great love for us. Amen
Praise and thanks to You, Father in heaven for, on the night He was betrayed, Your son Jesus Christ took bread and gave thanks. He broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying ‘ Take, eat, this is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me’
Taking the cup of wine, He said, ‘This is my blood shed for you and for the many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me’
If you don’t yet know Jesus, if you’re still trying to figure things out, then please stay where you are and use this time to reflect. Let this time be a blessing to you, and please don’t leave today without talking to us about your faith journey so far.
If you call yourself a Christian, if you’ve invited Him into your life, then please come, join me in this precious meal. In your own time come to the table and take bread, dip your bread into the juice, and stay and pray or return to your seat to eat.
PAUSE
Almighty God,
we thank you for feeding us
with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Through him we offer you our souls and bodies
to be a living sacrifice.
Send us out
in the power of your Spirit
to live and work
to your praise and glory.
Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Let’s join together with all believers across the world and throughout history, praying as Jesus taught us:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Thank you again for coming. Please don’t feel you have to rush away. Take this time to dwell in His presence for as long as you need.
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Thank you, Tim!
If you’d like to join us at
MIDWEEK CONNECT
We meet from 10:00 am on Thursdays
in the Kerith Centre
Whether you’re a seasoned local or an exploring international, Midweek Connect offers a welcoming environment to experience community, connection, prayer & purpose. Join us on Thursday's during term time for a chance to be seen, known and empowered.
10:00 am: COMMUNITY COFFEE TIME
10:30 am: SMALL GROUPS
12:00 pm: LUNCHTIME LECTIO
12:20 pm - 1:00 pm: COMMUNITY LUNCH (bring your own)