Liturgy

You call us to wait on you, Lord,
but we get tired of waiting.
Your answers to our prayers,
Your call for us to serve you,
the promise of your coming Kingdom,
they all seem to take so long.

You tell us to watch for your coming, Lord,
but we’re unsure how to prepare for…
a thief in the night,
an undisclosed time,
and your disconcerting habit
of secrecy and mystery.

Yet, something inside whispers
that you’re not all that hard to find;
That you’re always coming to us,
and that both the waiting and the watching,
are more about being open to you now,
than about trying not to be surprised in the future.

And so we will keep waiting,
and we will try to stay alert,
so that we can catch the glimpses of your glory
that fill our day, every day.

We remember this, praying in the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Community Confession

Lord God, it is hard to think
that we are mortal beings.
We dream, make plans, and talk
about what we’ll do in the near future.

We don’t always think about what you want.
Instead, we make choices that we think are good for us,
But we are only here because of the grace you give us.

We confess that we forget
our need for you daily.
We confess that at times, our
choices are far from your desires.

We confess that we do not know
what is best for our lives.
Holy God, we are sorry for our sins.

Help us remember we live because of you.
Help us, through your life-giving Spirit,
to do what you want of us
as your servants of peace to the world.

We pray in the name of the Father,
the Son,
and the Holy Spirit,
amen.

Reflection

Where am I over-preparing for what is non essential (threat management)?
Where am I under-preparing for what is essential (enjoying God)?

Benediction

In the presence of the Lord
we have reflected on his words
about the wisdom of vigilance.
What are we, foolish or wise?

Probably a bit of the two:
foolish when we sin,
wise when we are vigilant,
as we try to live a bit like Jesus
and to put his words into practice.

May almighty God keep you vigilant and wise
and bless you this day and every day,

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

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

[Photo by Christie Maclean @ Flickr]