I know it's late, but, hey, there's always next year.
I'd love suggestions, editorial comments, or downright nasty critiques.
I hope this finds you well.
Jonathan
Monday, June 1, 2009
Pentecost Liturgy
Click here for the Liturgy we co-created and experienced on Pentecost. It's listed as "A Liturgy for Pentecost (Sample)." Click there.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Pentecost @ FPC Owensboro, Kentucky
A magnificent event embodying community-making, peace, and reconciliation around common tables where, with room for everyone, we risked being open to the wild and unruly dance of Spirit in whose presence we found ourselves alive again.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Confirmation Service
Whoo-hoo. I might actually be figuring out this blog thing.
Anyway, we just had our confirmation service and I wrote some liturgy for it. It might be helpful as a template for creating unique blessings for each on. It has names of the youth, but hopefully that will be helpful in understanding what is going on.
Invitation:
Look toward the east, O Jerusalem, O Shandon Presbyterian, and see the joy that is coming to you from God. Look, your children, your youth, your confirmands, are coming, after a year of study and service; they are coming, gathered from east and west, at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the glory of God, having been examined by the session, they are now ready and waiting, with tongues to profess their faith in God and Christ and be baptized in the waters of the Spirit. I invite the confirmands forward with their mentors and teachers. (adapted from Baruch 4:36-37).
Profession of Faith:
Confirmands, your teachers, mentors, pastors, and church family and friends, have been astounded at the gifts of the Holy Spirit that pour out from you, these gifts are a testament to your faith in God. With rejoicing, we stand here with you, as you proclaim your faith, to all gathered here.
Trusting in the gracious mercy of God do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world? Do you? I do.
Who is Lord and Savior? Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.
Will you be Christ’s faithful disciplines, obeying his Word and showing his love? I will with God’s help.
"Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" With this faith that leads you from sin, towards your savior Jesus Christ, come forward, kneeling as we call your name, that you might be baptized with the waters of the Spirit, and anointed a disciple of the Word.
Baptism and Anointing:
Leslie Michelle Leonard
Leslie do you desire to be baptized?
Leslie Michelle, child of the covenant, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God of creation, use Leslie’s creativity to show us new ways for understanding you. Help her to continue to turn over the tables of cliques and social boundaries that a jubilee of all the nations might come forth from the wave of her baptismal waters.
Nicholas Young Murray
Nick do you desire to be baptized?
Nicholas Young, child of the covenant, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, you run through Nick, just as the waters of baptism have been poured over him. You have led him to a strong confident faith and his leadership is a gift you give. Help him to run to others as your servant and lead them to a stronger faith in you.
Aileena Nicole Roberts
Aileena do you desire to be baptized?
Aileena Nicole, child of the covenant, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God of Pentecost, You have brought Aileena, to this place and time. And with her comes a vision for your church and its people, a vision of wholeness, and community, in service, and loyal praise of you. As we the church become her family though baptism, help Aileena to continually show us your vision of true community.
Salomon Alexander Mayfield Smith
Salomon do you desire to be baptized?
Salomon Alexander Mayfield, child of the covenant, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God of Celebration, Saloman is your creation and holds your energy for the gift of life. He shares this joy in humble service to others, and tells your story loud and clear. Use Saloman to help us rejoice in you, and know you have created us unique and good.
(Following Youth have already been baptized)
Edgar Lee Alford
God of the Joy of Play, Your energy rings out through Eddie in song and movement. You are alive in him from his jumping, catching, and running, to his strumming of strings and clanging of cymbals. Yet, your Spirit finds rest in his thoughtful confidence. Be with Eddie, that his joy might always be in you, and help him to teach us how our joy might be complete.
Timothy Robb Alford
God of the Narrow Gate, Whether on the court, or field, or hiking trail, Robb’s footing is surely placed in You. He leads by humble example and has his eyes fixed upon you. Give Robb the strength to lead us on the road that is hard and leads to life.
Joseph Winston Arney
Christ-child in the temple, Rabbouni, Teacher, You have gifted Winston with knowledge beyond his years, knowledge which stands up to the Pharisees of our time, and is often coupled with the humor that allows us to approach our humanness with understanding. Help Winston, standing tall, to teach us about you, and continue to grow in knowledge of you.
Reid Anderson Carter
Lord who is our Rock, and our Fortress, You are Reid’s stronghold and guide, and in return her faith holds fast to you whom she knows well. Her courage and wisdom speak your name, and show forth in her passionate care for others. Be with Reid, that she might always know your love, and find your light to follow.
William Porcher DuBose IV
God of the Ten Commandments, and Lord of the Greatest of these, Your faithful servant Will has loved you will all his heart, soul, and might, and loved his neighbor as himself. As you commanded Moses to lead a people, and as you were with Moses, be with Will, that as he leads he might always be strengthened in your presence.
Lindsay Morgan Gibson
Jesus our Shepherd, who does his best to find the lost sheep. You have found Lindsay who also always does her best. Like you she also looks for the goodness in everyone and opens up her arms to them. Be with Lindsay as she does good work for you, and help her to continue to know the unique person who you created her to be.
Lauren Carolina Johnson
God of Job, and Jonah, God of the questioner, and of the different path, Your daughter Caroline is prophet who will keep your church reformed and ever reforming. In her journey, we pray that she will forever declare that it was you who laid the foundations of the earth, and its cornerstone in Christ.
Sarah Lindsey Jones
God who answers prayer, Sarah has knocked and the door has opened, she has sought and found, asked and received. She has put her faith in you, and looked to your Son as her guide. In turn you have led her in your way. Help Sarah to guide others through the example of her life.
Daniel Withers Lott
Alpha and Omega, You have known Daniel from the beginning to the end, and with him, you are found today translating your scriptures into a life lived in service for others. Daniel knows the great responsibility of being Christian and being the Church, help us to stand with him that we might show God’s love and will for the world.
James Vincent Masek
Mysterious and Omnipotent God, You have a believer in James. And in this believer we shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. He is person of peace, and a fountain of joy. He is humble and wise with compassion to serve. Lord, let us smile with James, and know the goodness and harmony that you bring.
Kelly Elizabeth McCorkle
God of the Prophet, the Poet, and the Scribe, from the writer of Genesis to John in Revelation, you have spoken your truth through the written word. Your faithful, and loving, servant Kelly, pens your truth for a new generation, while lifting up the words of old. Carry her words that all might all might come know you, from the dry land called earth, to the new earth you have promised.
Peter Everett McWilliams
God of Creation, who day by day, numbered the stars, and counted out forty for flood, and famine, and wilderness. Your disciple Peter may someday unlock your secrets by calculating the fractals of our faith. Until then, keep this brilliant, and disciplined mind spinning as your planets whirl, and be with Peter as his thoughts settle into your will for him.
Hannah Judith Quackenbush
Lord of the Dance, who created a season for everything, a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to heal, and a time to dance. You created Hannah for those times, to be with those who weep, and heal them into laughter, that they might join her to dance in praise of you. Be with Hannah as she faces every matter under heaven, and give her the graceful steps to follow you.
States Taylor Roberson
God of Grace, God of the apostle Paul, if we are to be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, States is one whose faith proclaims your peace. Through States’ life in obedience he encourages others to the joy of following your will. Be with States as he grows in knowledge of you, that we might learn though him how to be your peace in the world.
James DuBose Scott
God who is Wisdom, Happy are those whose delight is in the law of the LORD, They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. Lord, your servant James is one who delights in your law, and happy is he to follow it. Guide him that he might lead us to find your meaning in life each day.
Mary Elaine Slade
Sower Lord, You have taken a seed in Mimi and placed her in fertile soil, by abundant waters, she has in turn sprouted, her branches spreading out and turning toward you in faith. This faith is seen in her kindness in friendships, and love of you. Let us be strengthened by the ways in which Mimi’s faith grows, in our community.
Sarah Catherine Anne Steedman (“Sarah”)
God of Esther, who spoke her mind and whose wisdom, courage, and care saved a people, Your daughter Sarah, is also a faithful leader who serves your people with wisdom, and care. Let Sarah’s voice raise up in truth to power, and through it let your blessings flow forth to your people and your creation. Amen.
Closing Prayer: Let us pray,
God of the Faithful, We praise you, Your Spirit has poured out upon us, and Your Son has led your people of faith. You called the family of God in this church to fulfill their promises at baptism. We thank you Lord, for your gift of faith. Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry, who keeps faith forever. Amen
(Adapted from Psalm 146:1-7)
Anyway, we just had our confirmation service and I wrote some liturgy for it. It might be helpful as a template for creating unique blessings for each on. It has names of the youth, but hopefully that will be helpful in understanding what is going on.
Invitation:
Look toward the east, O Jerusalem, O Shandon Presbyterian, and see the joy that is coming to you from God. Look, your children, your youth, your confirmands, are coming, after a year of study and service; they are coming, gathered from east and west, at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the glory of God, having been examined by the session, they are now ready and waiting, with tongues to profess their faith in God and Christ and be baptized in the waters of the Spirit. I invite the confirmands forward with their mentors and teachers. (adapted from Baruch 4:36-37).
Profession of Faith:
Confirmands, your teachers, mentors, pastors, and church family and friends, have been astounded at the gifts of the Holy Spirit that pour out from you, these gifts are a testament to your faith in God. With rejoicing, we stand here with you, as you proclaim your faith, to all gathered here.
Trusting in the gracious mercy of God do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world? Do you? I do.
Who is Lord and Savior? Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.
Will you be Christ’s faithful disciplines, obeying his Word and showing his love? I will with God’s help.
"Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" With this faith that leads you from sin, towards your savior Jesus Christ, come forward, kneeling as we call your name, that you might be baptized with the waters of the Spirit, and anointed a disciple of the Word.
Baptism and Anointing:
Leslie Michelle Leonard
Leslie do you desire to be baptized?
Leslie Michelle, child of the covenant, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God of creation, use Leslie’s creativity to show us new ways for understanding you. Help her to continue to turn over the tables of cliques and social boundaries that a jubilee of all the nations might come forth from the wave of her baptismal waters.
Nicholas Young Murray
Nick do you desire to be baptized?
Nicholas Young, child of the covenant, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, you run through Nick, just as the waters of baptism have been poured over him. You have led him to a strong confident faith and his leadership is a gift you give. Help him to run to others as your servant and lead them to a stronger faith in you.
Aileena Nicole Roberts
Aileena do you desire to be baptized?
Aileena Nicole, child of the covenant, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God of Pentecost, You have brought Aileena, to this place and time. And with her comes a vision for your church and its people, a vision of wholeness, and community, in service, and loyal praise of you. As we the church become her family though baptism, help Aileena to continually show us your vision of true community.
Salomon Alexander Mayfield Smith
Salomon do you desire to be baptized?
Salomon Alexander Mayfield, child of the covenant, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God of Celebration, Saloman is your creation and holds your energy for the gift of life. He shares this joy in humble service to others, and tells your story loud and clear. Use Saloman to help us rejoice in you, and know you have created us unique and good.
(Following Youth have already been baptized)
Edgar Lee Alford
God of the Joy of Play, Your energy rings out through Eddie in song and movement. You are alive in him from his jumping, catching, and running, to his strumming of strings and clanging of cymbals. Yet, your Spirit finds rest in his thoughtful confidence. Be with Eddie, that his joy might always be in you, and help him to teach us how our joy might be complete.
Timothy Robb Alford
God of the Narrow Gate, Whether on the court, or field, or hiking trail, Robb’s footing is surely placed in You. He leads by humble example and has his eyes fixed upon you. Give Robb the strength to lead us on the road that is hard and leads to life.
Joseph Winston Arney
Christ-child in the temple, Rabbouni, Teacher, You have gifted Winston with knowledge beyond his years, knowledge which stands up to the Pharisees of our time, and is often coupled with the humor that allows us to approach our humanness with understanding. Help Winston, standing tall, to teach us about you, and continue to grow in knowledge of you.
Reid Anderson Carter
Lord who is our Rock, and our Fortress, You are Reid’s stronghold and guide, and in return her faith holds fast to you whom she knows well. Her courage and wisdom speak your name, and show forth in her passionate care for others. Be with Reid, that she might always know your love, and find your light to follow.
William Porcher DuBose IV
God of the Ten Commandments, and Lord of the Greatest of these, Your faithful servant Will has loved you will all his heart, soul, and might, and loved his neighbor as himself. As you commanded Moses to lead a people, and as you were with Moses, be with Will, that as he leads he might always be strengthened in your presence.
Lindsay Morgan Gibson
Jesus our Shepherd, who does his best to find the lost sheep. You have found Lindsay who also always does her best. Like you she also looks for the goodness in everyone and opens up her arms to them. Be with Lindsay as she does good work for you, and help her to continue to know the unique person who you created her to be.
Lauren Carolina Johnson
God of Job, and Jonah, God of the questioner, and of the different path, Your daughter Caroline is prophet who will keep your church reformed and ever reforming. In her journey, we pray that she will forever declare that it was you who laid the foundations of the earth, and its cornerstone in Christ.
Sarah Lindsey Jones
God who answers prayer, Sarah has knocked and the door has opened, she has sought and found, asked and received. She has put her faith in you, and looked to your Son as her guide. In turn you have led her in your way. Help Sarah to guide others through the example of her life.
Daniel Withers Lott
Alpha and Omega, You have known Daniel from the beginning to the end, and with him, you are found today translating your scriptures into a life lived in service for others. Daniel knows the great responsibility of being Christian and being the Church, help us to stand with him that we might show God’s love and will for the world.
James Vincent Masek
Mysterious and Omnipotent God, You have a believer in James. And in this believer we shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. He is person of peace, and a fountain of joy. He is humble and wise with compassion to serve. Lord, let us smile with James, and know the goodness and harmony that you bring.
Kelly Elizabeth McCorkle
God of the Prophet, the Poet, and the Scribe, from the writer of Genesis to John in Revelation, you have spoken your truth through the written word. Your faithful, and loving, servant Kelly, pens your truth for a new generation, while lifting up the words of old. Carry her words that all might all might come know you, from the dry land called earth, to the new earth you have promised.
Peter Everett McWilliams
God of Creation, who day by day, numbered the stars, and counted out forty for flood, and famine, and wilderness. Your disciple Peter may someday unlock your secrets by calculating the fractals of our faith. Until then, keep this brilliant, and disciplined mind spinning as your planets whirl, and be with Peter as his thoughts settle into your will for him.
Hannah Judith Quackenbush
Lord of the Dance, who created a season for everything, a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to heal, and a time to dance. You created Hannah for those times, to be with those who weep, and heal them into laughter, that they might join her to dance in praise of you. Be with Hannah as she faces every matter under heaven, and give her the graceful steps to follow you.
States Taylor Roberson
God of Grace, God of the apostle Paul, if we are to be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, States is one whose faith proclaims your peace. Through States’ life in obedience he encourages others to the joy of following your will. Be with States as he grows in knowledge of you, that we might learn though him how to be your peace in the world.
James DuBose Scott
God who is Wisdom, Happy are those whose delight is in the law of the LORD, They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. Lord, your servant James is one who delights in your law, and happy is he to follow it. Guide him that he might lead us to find your meaning in life each day.
Mary Elaine Slade
Sower Lord, You have taken a seed in Mimi and placed her in fertile soil, by abundant waters, she has in turn sprouted, her branches spreading out and turning toward you in faith. This faith is seen in her kindness in friendships, and love of you. Let us be strengthened by the ways in which Mimi’s faith grows, in our community.
Sarah Catherine Anne Steedman (“Sarah”)
God of Esther, who spoke her mind and whose wisdom, courage, and care saved a people, Your daughter Sarah, is also a faithful leader who serves your people with wisdom, and care. Let Sarah’s voice raise up in truth to power, and through it let your blessings flow forth to your people and your creation. Amen.
Closing Prayer: Let us pray,
God of the Faithful, We praise you, Your Spirit has poured out upon us, and Your Son has led your people of faith. You called the family of God in this church to fulfill their promises at baptism. We thank you Lord, for your gift of faith. Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry, who keeps faith forever. Amen
(Adapted from Psalm 146:1-7)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Blessing a Child
Dear friends,
I'm trying to put together a liturgy of blessing for a child. She'll be about 9 months old when this happens -- down by the river, surrounded by family and friends of family in Virginia on the morning of her grandfather's birthday extravaganza . . . . The grandmother is still spitting-mad my church won't approve a baptism. This will be a piece of my next-best offer! I've grown quite fond of the child's mother, and I'm aiming for "exquisite" with the liturgy. Any suggestions? Helpful resources? Services you could send me? If so, I'd be grateful.
Hope y'all are well!
Grace and peace to you this Lent,
Carla
I'm trying to put together a liturgy of blessing for a child. She'll be about 9 months old when this happens -- down by the river, surrounded by family and friends of family in Virginia on the morning of her grandfather's birthday extravaganza . . . . The grandmother is still spitting-mad my church won't approve a baptism. This will be a piece of my next-best offer! I've grown quite fond of the child's mother, and I'm aiming for "exquisite" with the liturgy. Any suggestions? Helpful resources? Services you could send me? If so, I'd be grateful.
Hope y'all are well!
Grace and peace to you this Lent,
Carla
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Eucharistic Prayers for Lent
Hi friends. I've prepared a set of Eucharistic Prayers for Lent, Year B, using the same pattern I employed for Advent. I decided just to do the first five Sundays in Lent, thinking that people might want to use existing prayers (the BCW, e.g.) for Ash Wednesday and Passion / Palm Sunday. If you have time to look at these and offer feedback, I would be most grateful. And if you're in a position to use one or more of these during this Lenten season, please feel free ... and let me know how it goes. Grace and peace, David
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
January
My dear friends,
I apologize for being so inattentive to our work. As a few of you know, I was consumed with finishing a book* in November and December and thought of little else. Now I am in the process of picking up the pieces of the many things I dropped during that time - including our work!
Thank you to those who contributed texts. I had thought that we might actually critique one another's work somehow, but the blog format seems awkward for that. A friend has suggested that we use Google documents, but to tell the truth I looked at it once and chickened out. I wonder if Jonathan might have the courage to look at it and see if it will work for our purposes?
Speaking of Jonathan - he made a good suggestion that we begin to think of Lenten texts. If anyone is particularly drawn to a specific task, please do let us know. Perhaps we can begin a conversation about our interests.
In the meantime - even if we do not manage a round-robin of revisions on Advent texts, I will probably undertake that myself and be in touch with you. I am keen on including your work in Call to Worship in this next lectionary aids issue (Summer 2009). I would not, of course, publish your (edited) work without consulting with you first.
I had really hoped to have exerted more leadership in all of this. Please know that I haven't given up on you or on the project. Thank you for your patience with me - you are all dear to me, and I am grateful that you care about what we're up to.
More to come.
Grace and peace,
Kim
PS: I will get to see Katy in about ten days! I'll be at Shandon Pres. in Columbia, SC to preach and give some lectures. Can't wait to see you, Katy.
* The Worshiping Body: The Art of Leading Worship will appear in the Fall 2009 WJK catalog. I'm excited!
I apologize for being so inattentive to our work. As a few of you know, I was consumed with finishing a book* in November and December and thought of little else. Now I am in the process of picking up the pieces of the many things I dropped during that time - including our work!
Thank you to those who contributed texts. I had thought that we might actually critique one another's work somehow, but the blog format seems awkward for that. A friend has suggested that we use Google documents, but to tell the truth I looked at it once and chickened out. I wonder if Jonathan might have the courage to look at it and see if it will work for our purposes?
Speaking of Jonathan - he made a good suggestion that we begin to think of Lenten texts. If anyone is particularly drawn to a specific task, please do let us know. Perhaps we can begin a conversation about our interests.
In the meantime - even if we do not manage a round-robin of revisions on Advent texts, I will probably undertake that myself and be in touch with you. I am keen on including your work in Call to Worship in this next lectionary aids issue (Summer 2009). I would not, of course, publish your (edited) work without consulting with you first.
I had really hoped to have exerted more leadership in all of this. Please know that I haven't given up on you or on the project. Thank you for your patience with me - you are all dear to me, and I am grateful that you care about what we're up to.
More to come.
Grace and peace,
Kim
PS: I will get to see Katy in about ten days! I'll be at Shandon Pres. in Columbia, SC to preach and give some lectures. Can't wait to see you, Katy.
* The Worshiping Body: The Art of Leading Worship will appear in the Fall 2009 WJK catalog. I'm excited!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Rites of Confession - 4th Advent (B)
Week Four: Hope
Advent draws closer now to its close. Having remembered the promises, we've learned
again to wait on God. In our waiting, we have been given to wild imaginations about what
God longs for the world to become. And in our holy imaginations, we have learned again to
hope for the life of the world that is to come - and come it will! We must have eyes peeled
to recognize it and arms free to receive it. Let us confess what encumbers us and hampers
our preparations. Let us confess our sin, first in silence, then as one. Let us pray...
Silence
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we have once again risked embarking on this Advent journey. We have done
what we can to let go of our anxieties about what this season has become in order to
be free to receive it for what it really is. Forgive us when we have failed. Forgive us when
we have turned a deaf ear to your messengers who were calling our names. Forgive us for
turning a blind eye to the signs that said you have chosen us. Forgive us for our refusal
to believe that you would trust us to bear you into this broken but hopeful world. Forgive
us; we are just ordinary people trying to live our lives as best we can. Forgive us when we
find ourselves wishing you would choose somebody else. Empower us to believe with
Mary, to hope with Joseph, and to announce with the angels that your Spirit has come
upon us again for the sake of the world. Through Christ. Amen.
Pouring of the Baptismal Waters
Remember your baptism and be thankful!
The Declaration of the Forgiveness
Hear the good news! In Jesus Christ, God remembers our sin no more and says instead,
"You are forgiven!"
Thanks be to God! Amen.
The Gloria Patri
The Passing of the Peace
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Advent Wreath
Hello friends, I'm afraid I've been swamped under. My Dad died in late October, and while that was a merciful thing, it was also draining and has kept me from getting to several of the things I promised.
I'm posting an Advent wreath liturgy, which on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent will be of help to noone until Year B comes around again in 3 years. It wasn't even my assignment! But it's what I ended up working on. So I figured better to share it than not.
What I've done is taken the Year A Advent candle lighting liturgy that was written for Call to Worship last year, and updated the inner lines to reflect the Year B texts instead. I don't know who originally wrote this (Kim or David, can you tell us?), but I loved what the last 2 lines did with the light images. So here it is, with my wishes for each of you and your congregations that you know God's gifts of longing and love in this season.
Marney
ADVENT CALLS TO WORSHIP – for Year B (2008)
Advent 1
- based on Isaiah 64:1-2
This is the season of holy waiting.
We wait for the One who will tear open the heavens
and come down to save us.
We watch for the day when God’s name will be made known among the nations.
We wait in the shadows for the Light of the World to appear.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Advent 2
- based on Isaiah 40:1-2
This is the season of holy waiting.
We watch for the day when our warfare will be ended.
We wait for the One who can bring comfort and speak peace.
We wait while the night begins to glow with the light of day.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Advent 3
- based on Isaiah 61:1-3
This is the season of holy waiting.
We wait for the One whose word can set captives free.
We watch for the day when all who mourn will know gladness and praise.
We wait while the dawning light appears on the horizon.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Advent 4
- based on Luke 1:47-52
This is the season of holy waiting.
We watch for the One who scatters the proud and lifts up the lowly.
We wait for the day when our spirits will rejoice to know God’s favor.
We watch while the light of day begins to fill the sky.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Christmas Eve/Day
- based on John 1:9, & Luke 2:14
The One for whom we have been waiting is born!
The True Light, which enlightens all people, has come into the world.
On this night we sing with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest!”
On this night the light of God fills the heavens and illumines the earth.
The glory of God shines all around us.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Christmas 1
- based on Isaiah 61:10-11
Children of God, let us rejoice with our whole being in God, our Savior.
For God has clothed us with the bright robes of salvation.
Our God will cause righteousness and praise to be seen among the nations.
Like a burning torch, the Light of the World leads us.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Christmas 2
based on John 1:9, 14
The True Light, which enlightens all people, has come into the world.
The Word of God became flesh and lives among us.
The glory of God shines all around us.
We will walk in the light of God!
I'm posting an Advent wreath liturgy, which on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent will be of help to noone until Year B comes around again in 3 years. It wasn't even my assignment! But it's what I ended up working on. So I figured better to share it than not.
What I've done is taken the Year A Advent candle lighting liturgy that was written for Call to Worship last year, and updated the inner lines to reflect the Year B texts instead. I don't know who originally wrote this (Kim or David, can you tell us?), but I loved what the last 2 lines did with the light images. So here it is, with my wishes for each of you and your congregations that you know God's gifts of longing and love in this season.
Marney
ADVENT CALLS TO WORSHIP – for Year B (2008)
Advent 1
- based on Isaiah 64:1-2
This is the season of holy waiting.
We wait for the One who will tear open the heavens
and come down to save us.
We watch for the day when God’s name will be made known among the nations.
We wait in the shadows for the Light of the World to appear.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Advent 2
- based on Isaiah 40:1-2
This is the season of holy waiting.
We watch for the day when our warfare will be ended.
We wait for the One who can bring comfort and speak peace.
We wait while the night begins to glow with the light of day.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Advent 3
- based on Isaiah 61:1-3
This is the season of holy waiting.
We wait for the One whose word can set captives free.
We watch for the day when all who mourn will know gladness and praise.
We wait while the dawning light appears on the horizon.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Advent 4
- based on Luke 1:47-52
This is the season of holy waiting.
We watch for the One who scatters the proud and lifts up the lowly.
We wait for the day when our spirits will rejoice to know God’s favor.
We watch while the light of day begins to fill the sky.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Christmas Eve/Day
- based on John 1:9, & Luke 2:14
The One for whom we have been waiting is born!
The True Light, which enlightens all people, has come into the world.
On this night we sing with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest!”
On this night the light of God fills the heavens and illumines the earth.
The glory of God shines all around us.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Christmas 1
- based on Isaiah 61:10-11
Children of God, let us rejoice with our whole being in God, our Savior.
For God has clothed us with the bright robes of salvation.
Our God will cause righteousness and praise to be seen among the nations.
Like a burning torch, the Light of the World leads us.
Come let us walk in the light of God!
Christmas 2
based on John 1:9, 14
The True Light, which enlightens all people, has come into the world.
The Word of God became flesh and lives among us.
The glory of God shines all around us.
We will walk in the light of God!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Rite of Confession: 3rd Advent (B)
"The four Sundays of Advent find us exploring the four themes of the lectionary texts that have emerged in our prayerful reflection: remembrance, waiting, imagination, and hope. Each Sunday attempts to bear these themes in mind cumulatively (i.e., First Sunday: remember; Second Sunday: remember, wait; etc.). The confessional rites of each Sunday will be shaped in part around these themes, specifically in the ways that we fail to remember God's promises; wait expectantly for God to do a new thing; imagine the world as God might and our part in it, and; hope for the life of the world that is on its way, especially in the Advent (both the first and second) of the Christ. I hope this helps in some small way."
Call to Reconciliation
We are God’s people - a people who live in the light of God’s goodness and love. In that light we come to know more clearly who God is, who we are, the drastic dissonance between the two, and what God imagines us and calls us to become instead. Though we know darkness, let us live into the Light, confessing what of us harkens back to our dark days that we may have the light of Christ rekindled within and among us as we listen for that tender, healing word: forgiveness; as we watch for that holy, imaginative gift: healing. Let us pray...
Prayer of Confession
Silence
Lord of Light, God of Mercy, in the brightness of your presence among us, our darkness is exposed, and in it we begin to see ourselves for who we are when left to our own devices. It is easy to get trapped in the shadows of selfishness and stress. It is tempting to trust our loneliness and fear. It is alluring to believe in our own ability to provide for ourselves through greed and indifference to others. O radiant God, let your light scatter our darkness and illumine our lives. Make straight the path before us, shine the light of your love on ahead of us, and dare us to imagine with you a life lived in love of God, love of neighbor, and service to both. Through Christ. Amen.
Pouring of the Baptismal Waters
Remember your baptism and be thankful!
Declaration of the Promise of Forgiveness
Rejoice! And believe the promise! In a daring act of hope and imagination, God moves ever near to us, gracefully pouring light on what in us is darkened still. The path is made clearer now in the resurrection light of promise and hope. Hear the glad tidings of the gospel of God: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!
In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
Thanks be to God! Amen!
Gloria Patri
Passing of the Peace
Call to Reconciliation
We are God’s people - a people who live in the light of God’s goodness and love. In that light we come to know more clearly who God is, who we are, the drastic dissonance between the two, and what God imagines us and calls us to become instead. Though we know darkness, let us live into the Light, confessing what of us harkens back to our dark days that we may have the light of Christ rekindled within and among us as we listen for that tender, healing word: forgiveness; as we watch for that holy, imaginative gift: healing. Let us pray...
Prayer of Confession
Silence
Lord of Light, God of Mercy, in the brightness of your presence among us, our darkness is exposed, and in it we begin to see ourselves for who we are when left to our own devices. It is easy to get trapped in the shadows of selfishness and stress. It is tempting to trust our loneliness and fear. It is alluring to believe in our own ability to provide for ourselves through greed and indifference to others. O radiant God, let your light scatter our darkness and illumine our lives. Make straight the path before us, shine the light of your love on ahead of us, and dare us to imagine with you a life lived in love of God, love of neighbor, and service to both. Through Christ. Amen.
Pouring of the Baptismal Waters
Remember your baptism and be thankful!
Declaration of the Promise of Forgiveness
Rejoice! And believe the promise! In a daring act of hope and imagination, God moves ever near to us, gracefully pouring light on what in us is darkened still. The path is made clearer now in the resurrection light of promise and hope. Hear the glad tidings of the gospel of God: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!
In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
Thanks be to God! Amen!
Gloria Patri
Passing of the Peace
Rite of Confession: 2nd Advent (B)
"The four Sundays of Advent find us exploring the four themes of the lectionary texts that have emerged in our prayerful reflection: remembrance, waiting, imagination, and hope. Each Sunday attempts to bear these themes in mind cumulatively (i.e., First Sunday: remember; Second Sunday: remember, wait; etc.). The confessional rites of each Sunday will be shaped in part around these themes, specifically in the ways that we fail to remember God's promises; wait expectantly for God to do a new thing; imagine the world as God might and our part in it, and; hope for the life of the world that is on its way, especially in the Advent (both the first and second) of the Christ. I hope this helps in some small way."
Call to Reconciliation
In the gift of God’s word, there is at once a power, a patience, and a graciousness that characterize this God for whose promises we find the call and the courage to wait. And today we hear Advent’s invitation to remember God’s promise to come again and make us new, and to await its fulfillment with eager longing. We wait for God because God first waits for us. And a life turned toward repentance is the proper response to God’s gracious patience. So let us in our waiting confess, repent, and let go of all that would threaten to undo us. And let us listen again for the word that brings healing: forgiveness.
Prayer of Confession
Silence
Merciful God, we find ourselves headlong now in this Advent journey, where through remembering and waiting, we posture ourselves to experience your renewing grace. We speak of yearning, of listening, of watchfulness, and light. We speak of the joy of rediscovering you amidst all of our distractions and delight. The waiting-road is long and winding; is nothing if not torturous at times. We find that to be largely due to ourselves. We are an impatient people, O God; we want what we want, and we want it now. We fail to imagine that you, in your infinite patience, have desires, too. You invite us to make straight the path for your coming, to give care to those in need, to listen to those who are troubled, to extend the compassion of Christ to those who hurt. To be messengers of hope to the world. This is patient work for us, a people who despise waiting. Forgive us. Renew us. Grant us your holy patience, that in our waiting we may be found alert to your coming among us, again and again. Through Christ. Amen.
Pouring of the Baptismal Waters
Remember your baptism and be thankful!
Declaration of the Promise of Forgiveness
God waits patiently for us, giving us time and space enough to be made ready for the coming of the Promised One into our lives and - through us - into the life of the world again. Hear the glad tidings of the gospel of God: In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
Amen!
Amen.
Gloria Patri
Passing of the Peace
Call to Reconciliation
In the gift of God’s word, there is at once a power, a patience, and a graciousness that characterize this God for whose promises we find the call and the courage to wait. And today we hear Advent’s invitation to remember God’s promise to come again and make us new, and to await its fulfillment with eager longing. We wait for God because God first waits for us. And a life turned toward repentance is the proper response to God’s gracious patience. So let us in our waiting confess, repent, and let go of all that would threaten to undo us. And let us listen again for the word that brings healing: forgiveness.
Prayer of Confession
Silence
Merciful God, we find ourselves headlong now in this Advent journey, where through remembering and waiting, we posture ourselves to experience your renewing grace. We speak of yearning, of listening, of watchfulness, and light. We speak of the joy of rediscovering you amidst all of our distractions and delight. The waiting-road is long and winding; is nothing if not torturous at times. We find that to be largely due to ourselves. We are an impatient people, O God; we want what we want, and we want it now. We fail to imagine that you, in your infinite patience, have desires, too. You invite us to make straight the path for your coming, to give care to those in need, to listen to those who are troubled, to extend the compassion of Christ to those who hurt. To be messengers of hope to the world. This is patient work for us, a people who despise waiting. Forgive us. Renew us. Grant us your holy patience, that in our waiting we may be found alert to your coming among us, again and again. Through Christ. Amen.
Pouring of the Baptismal Waters
Remember your baptism and be thankful!
Declaration of the Promise of Forgiveness
God waits patiently for us, giving us time and space enough to be made ready for the coming of the Promised One into our lives and - through us - into the life of the world again. Hear the glad tidings of the gospel of God: In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
Amen!
Amen.
Gloria Patri
Passing of the Peace
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thank you - and happy thanksgiving
Friends,
Thanks to those of you who have posted new work! I apologize for not being more attentive. Sometime soon we'll talk about how to respond to one another's (one anothers'?) work. If you expert bloggers (you know who you are) have any suggestions about the best way to comment/edit on line, go for it!
In the meantime, I pray you all have a happy Thanksgiving and a blessed beginning to the Advent season.
Grace and peace,
Kim
Thanks to those of you who have posted new work! I apologize for not being more attentive. Sometime soon we'll talk about how to respond to one another's (one anothers'?) work. If you expert bloggers (you know who you are) have any suggestions about the best way to comment/edit on line, go for it!
In the meantime, I pray you all have a happy Thanksgiving and a blessed beginning to the Advent season.
Grace and peace,
Kim
Rite of Confession: 1st Advent (B)
"The four Sundays of Advent find us exploring the four themes of the lectionary texts that have emerged in our prayerful reflection: remembrance, waiting, imagination, and hope. Each Sunday attempts to bear these themes in mind cumulatively (i.e., First Sunday: remember; Second Sunday: remember, wait; etc.). The confessional rites of each Sunday will be shaped in part around these themes, specifically in the ways that we fail to remember God's promises; wait expectantly for God to do a new thing; imagine the world as God might and our part in it, and; hope for the life of the world that is on its way, especially in the Advent (both the first and second) of the Christ. I hope this helps in some small way.
"Advent has come again, and together we go fully into it. It is a time of remembrance, of waiting, of imagination, and hope. It is a season of watchfulness, yearning, bliss. For in it, we see light at the end of our darkness. And yet, shadows of that darkness remain. Let us confess our sin - first alone, then together - that in our confession we may see the ways we allow that darkness to remain, doing so in the good hope that the Light might shine once again to overcome it. Let us pray together..."
Prayer of Confession
Silence
Merciful God, you have invited us to enter again into a new time, a new season, where - with watchful waiting and hopeful imagination - we might remember your promise to make of this old world a new one by the coming of the Christ. We are not alert, though, to your coming. We are pinned down instead by other pressures, preparations, and plans. You promise to do something new, but your "newness" requires the kind of change that we have been told be wary of, and we had just begun to be comfortable. Forgive us, we pray. Restore in us a sense of awe in who you are, a sense of wonder in what you are doing, and a sense of pleasure in our playing a part in your life-giving Advent story of God-with-us, again and again. Through Christ. Amen.
The Pouring of the Waters of Baptism
Remember your baptism and be thankful!
The Declaration of the Promise of Forgiveness
Hear the good news - the gospel of God! In Jesus Christ, God remembers our sin no more, and says instead: You are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Amen!
Amen!
Gloria Patri
The Passing of the Peace
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Eucharistic Prayers for Advent
I'm submitting three sets of eucharistic prayers for Advent (Years A, B, and C). You'll see that the structure and some of the text comes from the BCW, I've just provided variable parts related to the lectionary scriptures for Advent in each of the major sections of the prayer. (You may have seen the Year B version already, as I posted this to the blog when we were together in Decatur; in fact, you probably saw the Year A one in Call to Worship, too.)
I think this is what I volunteered to work on, but I'm sorry to say I can't remember. Margaret, I know we were working together on Great Thanksgivings ... does this sound right?
I think this is what I volunteered to work on, but I'm sorry to say I can't remember. Margaret, I know we were working together on Great Thanksgivings ... does this sound right?
Eucharistic Prayers for Advent, Year A
Eucharistic Prayers for Advent, Year B
Eucharistic Prayers for Advent, Year C
Prayers for Illumination
Prayers for Illumination
Advent, Year B
The First Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 64:1-9; Mark 13:24-37
Holy One,
If you were to tear open the heavens and come down,
surely we would tremble at your presence.
Yet in this Advent season, we remember the night
you were born among us—how most of the world slept, unaware.
So open our eyes and ears, we pray, in this and every hour,
that we may receive the Word you give.
Help us to be alert and ready,
for you come to those who wait.
Amen.
Or:
God of power and glory,
Though we can never take hold of you,
make us the work of your hands, as a potter shapes the clay.
May we be vessels ever ready to receive your Word,
early or late.
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
may we gladly do what is right;
remember your ways;
and make your name known among the nations.
Amen.
The Second Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8
Holy Spirit of God,
You prepare the way of the Lord
through the eloquence of Isaiah and the asceticism of John.
Though our own words wither set next to theirs,
the Word of our God will stand forever.
Help us to hear the tender good tidings
of God’s comfort and might;
how God feeds the flock, carries the lambs, and forgives sins.
Though unworthy, make us heralds, too,
sharing the good news
of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Amen.
Or:
Holy Comforter,
The good news of Jesus Christ begins in the waters of baptism.
We still come from many places to hear the Word proclaimed.
Prepare our hearts, as you once prepared the wilderness:
lift up our valleys,
make low the high mountain before us,
and make rough places plain,
that we may see your glory revealed.
Then, Spirit-sent, may we proclaim the good news
of the One who is coming.
Amen.
The Third Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; John 1:6-8, 19-28
Light of the World,
Shine on the oppressed,
the brokenhearted,
the captives,
and those whose spirits are faint.
Wind the garland of your Word around us
and we will be your witnesses;
we will testify to your glory
before all the powers of this world.
Amen.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent: 2 Samuel 7:1-11; Luke 1:26-38
Most High God of David,
God in the doorway of Mary,
Your Word is not as impossible as we imagine.
You, who will not be confined by the temples we build,
once grew in the contours of a womb.
Now let your word grow in us,
that by the power of your Holy Spirit,
we may respond unafraid according to your will.
Amen.
Christmas Eve: Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20
Wonderful Counselor,
We come to this night
with deep memories
and fresh hope.
After all these centuries,
we still walk in too much darkness.
So we pray this night to hear your heavenly promise
of peace on earth;
and to see your glory shine in our night.
There is so much for our hearts to ponder,
Emmanuel,
God-With-Us.
Amen.
Advent, Year B
The First Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 64:1-9; Mark 13:24-37
Holy One,
If you were to tear open the heavens and come down,
surely we would tremble at your presence.
Yet in this Advent season, we remember the night
you were born among us—how most of the world slept, unaware.
So open our eyes and ears, we pray, in this and every hour,
that we may receive the Word you give.
Help us to be alert and ready,
for you come to those who wait.
Amen.
Or:
God of power and glory,
Though we can never take hold of you,
make us the work of your hands, as a potter shapes the clay.
May we be vessels ever ready to receive your Word,
early or late.
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
may we gladly do what is right;
remember your ways;
and make your name known among the nations.
Amen.
The Second Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8
Holy Spirit of God,
You prepare the way of the Lord
through the eloquence of Isaiah and the asceticism of John.
Though our own words wither set next to theirs,
the Word of our God will stand forever.
Help us to hear the tender good tidings
of God’s comfort and might;
how God feeds the flock, carries the lambs, and forgives sins.
Though unworthy, make us heralds, too,
sharing the good news
of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Amen.
Or:
Holy Comforter,
The good news of Jesus Christ begins in the waters of baptism.
We still come from many places to hear the Word proclaimed.
Prepare our hearts, as you once prepared the wilderness:
lift up our valleys,
make low the high mountain before us,
and make rough places plain,
that we may see your glory revealed.
Then, Spirit-sent, may we proclaim the good news
of the One who is coming.
Amen.
The Third Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; John 1:6-8, 19-28
Light of the World,
Shine on the oppressed,
the brokenhearted,
the captives,
and those whose spirits are faint.
Wind the garland of your Word around us
and we will be your witnesses;
we will testify to your glory
before all the powers of this world.
Amen.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent: 2 Samuel 7:1-11; Luke 1:26-38
Most High God of David,
God in the doorway of Mary,
Your Word is not as impossible as we imagine.
You, who will not be confined by the temples we build,
once grew in the contours of a womb.
Now let your word grow in us,
that by the power of your Holy Spirit,
we may respond unafraid according to your will.
Amen.
Christmas Eve: Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20
Wonderful Counselor,
We come to this night
with deep memories
and fresh hope.
After all these centuries,
we still walk in too much darkness.
So we pray this night to hear your heavenly promise
of peace on earth;
and to see your glory shine in our night.
There is so much for our hearts to ponder,
Emmanuel,
God-With-Us.
Amen.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Feeling ahead of the game
Dear y'all,
Unbelievably I have finished an Advent Candle Litany to share.
Sadly, though, I can't figure out how to post it to this blog.
(It has an image -- a sung response my colleague Doug Brown composed to go with it.)
So I'll be emailing it in a minute. If one of you smart bloggers can figure out how to post it for me, I'd be grateful.
Otherwise, please accept a WORD document from me!
Carla
Unbelievably I have finished an Advent Candle Litany to share.
Sadly, though, I can't figure out how to post it to this blog.
(It has an image -- a sung response my colleague Doug Brown composed to go with it.)
So I'll be emailing it in a minute. If one of you smart bloggers can figure out how to post it for me, I'd be grateful.
Otherwise, please accept a WORD document from me!
Carla
Friday, October 10, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
friday's chapel liturgy
Friends -- Via Kim, here is the confessional liturgy used at the CTS chapel eucharist last Friday and prepared by student, Adam Copeland.
Call to Confession:
Friends, the font is full.
Grace overflows.
The love of the triune God abounds.
Therefore, we are free to admit who we are: Sinners.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.....
Declaration of Forgiveness:
Friends, the font is full.
The waters flow.
Still, even now, God's love abounds.
Paul reminds us, "Do you not know
that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into his death?
Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death,
so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God,
so we too might walk in newness of life."
Friends, believe the good news, in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Call to Confession:
Friends, the font is full.
Grace overflows.
The love of the triune God abounds.
Therefore, we are free to admit who we are: Sinners.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.....
Declaration of Forgiveness:
Friends, the font is full.
The waters flow.
Still, even now, God's love abounds.
Paul reminds us, "Do you not know
that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into his death?
Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death,
so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God,
so we too might walk in newness of life."
Friends, believe the good news, in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Collects
COLLECTS for A Ordinary 14
God of great gentleness and power,
you sent Christ to lift up the weak
and to teach humility to the proud.
Support us when we are weary
and steer us away from stubbornness,
so that we may follow you faithfully
and rest in your presence forever,
through Jesus Christ, the way of life.
Infinite God,
whose wisdom is beyond our own,
shatter our vain imaginations
that by the power of the Holy Spirit,
we may see your truth
and trust in your mercy,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God of the feast,
who comes to us as the bread of life
and the cup of astonishment,
draw us to yourself and let us learn from you,
that we may be led to your table
where others already are,
and find ourselves surprised and welcome there;
gentle and humble in heart as you yourself are;
through Jesus Christ, the friend of sinners.
Eternal God,
before whom generations rise and fall away,
our word is a scandal to the proud,
but salvation to the humble.
Penetrate our hearts with the revelation of your will,
that we might see you aw your are
and follow as you lead;
through Jesus Christ, your son and our Savior.
God of restraint, God of revelry,
your coming is never what we expect;
in your mercy free us from presumption
that burdens and blinds,
that we might turn at the sound of your voice
and rest in the strength of your purpose,
for we make our prayer in the name of Jesus
who still teaches us to know you.
God of compassion,
whose promises birth an attentive longing
from your weary but hopeful children,
lean into us with your holy patience,
exact from us an undistracted allegiance,
and weave us into your dream for a world comforted and at peace,
that we may become truly ourselves…. in you;
through Christ who is our Rest.
Wise and watchful God,
you reveal your secrets sparingly
to those of clear and simple spirit.
Teach us wisdom
that we may know what is good in your sight
and that we may do it,
following Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gentle Jesus,
friend of sinners,
yoke us to your surprising way
that we may find rest
in obeying you.
Our generation sits in a marketplace, calling to one another,
our loud voices covering up the flute you play.
Give us wisdom.
Let us sit in your place, call to you
and dance to the song you put forth.
For it is you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
who Jesus thanked, and so too do we.
Yours is a gracious will that reveals and hands down all things
from your spirit to your Son.
Yours is a will that lifts and carries not only heavy burdens,
but the weary themselves.
In you we find rest, and rest in your son.
Let us come to you, like children,
as we came from you as infants,
taking up the yoke of humble heart and gentle soul
and thanking you again.
Our freely-being and freely-giving God,
you are not bound by our rules,
you have bound yourself to us.
It is a mystery that you freely offer yourself to us
and that you offer us your freedom
freedom to act, freedom to rest,
freedom to dance, freedom to mourn,
freedom to turn to you, freedom to turn away.
The lightness of your freedom is frightening
and we want to make it heavier somehow.
Be with us today,
as we sing, pray, listen, bathe, eat and offer ourselves to you,
that we might claim your freedom,
live in it and help others to let go of the chains that bind them.
God of great gentleness and power,
you sent Christ to lift up the weak
and to teach humility to the proud.
Support us when we are weary
and steer us away from stubbornness,
so that we may follow you faithfully
and rest in your presence forever,
through Jesus Christ, the way of life.
Infinite God,
whose wisdom is beyond our own,
shatter our vain imaginations
that by the power of the Holy Spirit,
we may see your truth
and trust in your mercy,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God of the feast,
who comes to us as the bread of life
and the cup of astonishment,
draw us to yourself and let us learn from you,
that we may be led to your table
where others already are,
and find ourselves surprised and welcome there;
gentle and humble in heart as you yourself are;
through Jesus Christ, the friend of sinners.
Eternal God,
before whom generations rise and fall away,
our word is a scandal to the proud,
but salvation to the humble.
Penetrate our hearts with the revelation of your will,
that we might see you aw your are
and follow as you lead;
through Jesus Christ, your son and our Savior.
God of restraint, God of revelry,
your coming is never what we expect;
in your mercy free us from presumption
that burdens and blinds,
that we might turn at the sound of your voice
and rest in the strength of your purpose,
for we make our prayer in the name of Jesus
who still teaches us to know you.
God of compassion,
whose promises birth an attentive longing
from your weary but hopeful children,
lean into us with your holy patience,
exact from us an undistracted allegiance,
and weave us into your dream for a world comforted and at peace,
that we may become truly ourselves…. in you;
through Christ who is our Rest.
Wise and watchful God,
you reveal your secrets sparingly
to those of clear and simple spirit.
Teach us wisdom
that we may know what is good in your sight
and that we may do it,
following Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gentle Jesus,
friend of sinners,
yoke us to your surprising way
that we may find rest
in obeying you.
Our generation sits in a marketplace, calling to one another,
our loud voices covering up the flute you play.
Give us wisdom.
Let us sit in your place, call to you
and dance to the song you put forth.
For it is you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
who Jesus thanked, and so too do we.
Yours is a gracious will that reveals and hands down all things
from your spirit to your Son.
Yours is a will that lifts and carries not only heavy burdens,
but the weary themselves.
In you we find rest, and rest in your son.
Let us come to you, like children,
as we came from you as infants,
taking up the yoke of humble heart and gentle soul
and thanking you again.
Our freely-being and freely-giving God,
you are not bound by our rules,
you have bound yourself to us.
It is a mystery that you freely offer yourself to us
and that you offer us your freedom
freedom to act, freedom to rest,
freedom to dance, freedom to mourn,
freedom to turn to you, freedom to turn away.
The lightness of your freedom is frightening
and we want to make it heavier somehow.
Be with us today,
as we sing, pray, listen, bathe, eat and offer ourselves to you,
that we might claim your freedom,
live in it and help others to let go of the chains that bind them.
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