Liturgy
Gracious God, make each of us
an instrument of your grace.
Weave us into a community
showing forth your power and tenderness.
Bless us and our differences and under gird
our courage to stand together.
We call on you today to gather us in your love.
Lead us to better know you and glorify you
on each step of the journey of our lives.
In the name of Jesus, let us never keep silent
and forever breathe in the love of God,
that we may know how to share with our
neighbors what we possess for the health of our city.
We ask in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.
Reflection
Do you feel your back against a wall about any issue or a person? How does that make you feel?
What do you do when you are faced with the decision to release someone? Does your response build your faith or appease your internal conscience?
What are some things you need to continue doing, even though its enormous, daunting or outrageous?
What are some things that we need to die to and let go of? Who can you release and surrender from your ‘grip’?
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.
Let us go in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go and live the church, and see you throughout the week.
[Photo by Bachspics @ Flickr]