February 22, 2009

Liturgy Reflection & Benediction 02.22.09

Liturgy
Lord God, in a world
where truth seems so relative,
     your Word is a solid foundation;
where love is but a flickering, momentary flame,
     your passion is a constant ember;
where power is widely abused,
     your quiet strength works for justice;
where law is enforced from the outside in,
     your rule is from the inside out;
where peace is misunderstood as an absence of conflict,
     your reconciliation is a voice of calm amid the storm;
where joy depends upon outer circumstance,
     your happiness is an ever-flowing spring from within.

As we sing your praise, our divine God,
we open ourselves to you,
that we may receive your promised Spirit.

Abide in us. Help us to abide in you.
Gathered in the name of your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Reflection
How does your spiritual formation send you into the marketplace?

What cultural dialogue are you participating in?

How are we earning respect through our work and faith?

Are we willing to risk the respect we’ve earned for a story greater than ours?

Benediction
Finally, my friends, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable –
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me –
put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you.
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.

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