February 22, 2015

Liturgy Reflection & Benediction 02.22.2015

Liturgy

In this season of Lent, teach me your ways, Lord,
that I may come down from my heights and be
open to the same Spirit who moved over the face
of the waters in the first day of creation and moves
also over the chaos of this time to fashion a day like
this, a world like ours, a life like mine, a kingdom
acting as leaven in the bread of earth.

Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may praise you
for all the surprising, ingenious ways you bless me,
and for all the wondrous gifts you give me,
along with all the pain and joy I sustain.

Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may accept
my own talent openly, nurture it hopefully,
develop it faithfully, and give it freely.

Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may
love your kindness and practice it toward
the hungry of the world, the poor and sick,
and oppressed, that I may learn the healing
humility that comes from you.

Teach me your ways, Lord, so that my heart
is flooded with your mercy – emptying it of
what makes it firmly opposed to your ways,
so that it beats more in rhythm
with you and for your kingdom.

We ask and pray in the name
of you the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Community Confession

Lord, we have come to see that our
lives fall far short of your glory.
Have mercy and forgive us.

You have given your life for us,
and poured out your Spirit,
yet we fail to return your love
to others with all our heart.
Have mercy and change us.

Too often we are selfish and proud,
ignoring you, Lord, and neglecting
others for our own causes.
Have mercy and cleanse us.

Lord, when we do not
truly trust and obey you,
we are overwhelmed by
self-pity, fear and worry.
Have mercy and deliver us.

In Christ we are given a
sure hope and secure love,
yet we follow the false hopes
and desires of this world.
Have mercy and forgive us.

Father, through the redeeming death
of your Son on the cross, by your Spirit
and through your word, transform and
renew us to follow you with joy.

All this we ask of you, confident
in your unchanging faithfulness,
God in community, holy in One.
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 2.22.15 – The Other Side of Shame

What are the defense mechanisms we use to cover shame in our lives?
How can we move from the place of shamefulness or shamelessness towards discretion and healthy self awareness?
How can we tell stories on ourselves when we sense shame in the presence of others?

Benediction

Comforter and Healer, in this season of Lent,
may we depart as whole-hearted people with
space to be guided by your love and mercy of old.

Transform our shame into a humble space of
healing and hope for us and the world we live in.

Free us of tired images that separate
us from you like a thousand walls,
when our hearts would simply open.

That we may be more of you and
your likeness, wherever we go.

Let us leave here,
serving 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 Jocelyn Catterson @ Flickr]

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