Liturgy
Oh gracious Father,
Source of all excellent things,
grant us strength and hope in these days of uncertainty,
finding courage through your Holy Spirit;
Give us grace so to live, not in our own weakness,
but in your unceasing steadfastness,
ever encouraged by the company of heaven;
that we may be a reflection of you to our friends and neighbors.
May we be a source of comfort for all who seek peace,
living as one community, thriving and flourishing
through our dependence on you.
Be with us now and forever.
We ask in Jesus Christ’s name,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, One God,
forever and ever. Amen.
Reflection
Who is the Holy Spirit to me?
Have I been open to the Spirit or ignoring it?
How can I share the spirit with my community and how does it strengthen me to serve as it did the early church?
What does it mean to be a “witness” in Austin today?
Benediction
Lord we go from here refreshed and full of your Spirit,
knowing that you will be with us in all we do
in the week to come and always.
Let us go forth into our city
aware of the vast world that surrounds us.
Aware of the fragility of the nature you gave us to witness,
aware of the different cultures that interest us,
aware of who you are and where you are needed,
and aware of our own importance within Your world.
We go in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go in peace and live the church. See you throughout the week.
[Photo by Tenacity 23 @ Flickr]