Liturgy
Our God, give us courage,
for perhaps we lack it more than anything else.
We need courage before men against their threats
and against their seductions.
We need courage to bear unkindness,
mockery, contradiction.
We need courage to fight against ourselves,
against terrors and troubles, temptations,
attractions, darkness and false lights,
against tears, depression, and above all fear.
We need your help, oh God.
Strengthen us with your love and your grace.
Console us with your presence
and grant us the will to persevere
to love you when loving our neighbors is difficult,
to serve you when serving our city wears us down,
to shine forth in your world with our faith and deeds
all in the name of the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reflection
What does contentment look like in your life?
Are there any symptoms drawing you closer to God?
How can you allow God to parent you?
How can you have the courage to move beyond justice
and live grace?
Benediction
Lord, send us away inspired, excited,
filled with a sense of love and hope
that will carry us through the week to come.
Lord, let us go forth into our city
aware of all that surrounds us,
aware of all your Son, Jesus has died for,
aware of the fragility of the nature you gave us to witness,
aware of the different cultures that interest us,
and aware of our own importance within your world.
Let us go forth as your people,
satisfied but eager to know more,
happy but ready to face challenges,
grateful and eager to serve,
knowing difficulties may lie ahead
but also knowing we have courage and faith in you.
For these things we pray in the name of
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.
Go in peace and live the church.
[Photo by wash52121 @ Flickr]