May 23, 2010

Liturgy Reflection & Benediction 05.23.10

Liturgy
We pray, O Father,
Help us to journey beyond the familiar
and into the unknown.
Give us the faith to leave old ways
and break fresh ground with you.
Christ of the mysteries, we trust You
to be stronger than each storm within us.
We will trust within the darkness and know
that our times, even now, are in your hand.
Tune our spirits to the music of heaven,
and somehow, make our obedience count for you.

Congregational Prayer
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
We believe in the goodness of God.
We believe God hears and responds to our needs.
We believe God responds to all children everywhere.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.

We are grateful that we’ve been blessed with enough water.
But we know that many do not have enough.
Not enough water, not enough food, not enough peace.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Too many do not see God’s righteousness.
Too many watch violence, taste hunger, feel fear.
Too many cry from the unspeakable horror of war.

Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

To become involved is risky. Pain is often contagious.
Our hearts may be broken and our lives may be threatened.
Yet we hear God calling and we can no longer hide.

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.

Our steps may be small and timid.
We may stumble even when we want to follow your ways,
But we will continue on our path
towards peace in our world.

Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen.

Reflection
How can you find common ground with someone this week?

Who are you making a name for?

What does the work of gathering (reconciliation) look like in your life?

How can Vox participate in the work of gathering in our city and world?

Benediction
Gracious and loving God,
make us one in the body of Christ,
and thankful for bringing us together to remember you.
Send us into the world
to do the work you have given us to do:
to find the lost and lonely, to heal broken souls,
to free prisoners, and make the powerful care.
Grant us strength to persevere in our daily work,
to proclaim your truth in all we say
and do your good news in Christ Jesus our Savior.

We go in the name of the Father,
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Cuba Gallery @ Flickr]

This post needs your thoughts.