Every Thursday evening for the last ten weeks we have stood outside our houses and applauded the essential workers who have put themselves at risk to look after the rest of us. We have watched doctors and nurses in particular being interviewed about their exceptional work. What makes them do it? Here are a few answers:

• Confidence in their ability to do the job.
• Knowledge that what they are doing is both right and good.
• A sense of Vocation where they believe they are called to the work.
• Teamwork, knowing they are not alone.
• Encouragement and Appreciation from those they serve.

These five qualities would be very welcome in most workplaces. Some might even say they are essential for a healthy work-life. Now, what has all this got to do with Pentecost? 

The first disciples had a real job on their hands. Jesus had commissioned them to renew and transform the world through the spreading of the Gospel. Now there’s a mission! Forgive me if you don’t know the film, but the disciples must have felt like ‘The Dirty Dozen’! (Twelve condemned soldiers are pressed into service as a crack commando team to undertake a daring mission in Nazi-occupied France.) The disciples succeeded in their mission because the Holy Spirit came to them at Pentecost and, well, basically, gave them the five qualities mentioned above.

Need to recharge your spiritual batteries? Want to be more effective as a Christian? Be empowered by the Holy Spirit! Just ask. Actually, let’s ask together. It works better that way.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today 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 the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

(Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.)