Liturgy
Father, we pray for courage as we begin this week,
for we understand there is work to be done,
burdens to be carried, feelings to be shared
and joys to be celebrated.
Grant us the courage to be silent
that we may hear your voice;
to persevere, that we may share in your victories;
and to remember,
so that we may not forget the way by which
you have led us.
And when this week is done,
Oh Lord, may we have the courage
to see your guiding hand
in the friendships that have been made,
in the hurts that have been healed,
and in the strength that has been given
all in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.
Reflection
Do you have standing stones in your life that help you remember what God has done?
How are you letting your story help others remember
that God is good?
What can you do this week to let God’s story be told
through you?
Benediction
May God bless you with discomfort…
at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger…
at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears…
to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection,
starvation and war,
so that you may reach out with Your hand to comfort them
and to turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness…
to believe that you can make a difference in this world,
so that you can do
what others claim cannot be done
in the name of the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go in peace and live the church.
[Photo by petervanallen @ Flickr]