Liturgy
Welcome to a space this morning for our hearts
to truly open to ourselves, each other, and God.
Pause for a moment, notice what is present
in your thoughts, feelings, and body.
Observe the many ways we get distracted from
the present moment and blended with the constant
frenzy of needs our mind presents us with.
Ask the distracting parts of yourself
for just enough space to be here now.
Extend compassion to whatever in you is struggling
to release this morning, and offer it space to be a part
of this liturgy alongside you today.
Offer gratitude for the space within that you’ve acquired.
Rest and receive this morning as we nourish
each other with energy of the divine in song,
word and holy sacrament.
In the name of
God, our source,
Christ, our path,
and the Spirit, our guide.
Amen.
(Sean Williams)
Community Confession
When we rely on our mere physical strength and intellect while
neglecting our heart we are like trees without roots, malnourished
and ready to blow away at the slightest gust of wind.
Lord, return us to our place of divine connection within, where
we have deep roots for harmony with ourself, others, and you.
While our hearts become obscured by the burdens we’ve acquired,
God has the vision to see through it all and the grace to make clear
the treasure beneath the deceiving costumes of our outer selves.
Lord, search us and give us your vision for
what misconstrues our heart’s true nature.
Our deceptive thoughts and behavior are rooted in our efforts to protect
our ashamed and fearful parts of ourselves from being known.
Lord, tenderly restore our most vulnerable and malnourished
parts that we may live in true harmony as one.
In the name of
God, our Vision,
Christ, our Treasure,
and the Spirit, our Harmony.
Amen.
(Sean Williams)
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 2.17.19 – Turning Our Hearts
How are we hiding our hearts from ourselves, God, and each other?
When was the last time your heart felt nourished by someone?
Benediction
As we leave this place together, pause to recollect
what you’ve experienced within yourself this morning.
What has shifted within you and within us from this communal work?
Offer our gratitude for this grace as we depart.
Practice living from your heart space in which your roots
are deep and interconnected with the divine and each other,
and be nourishment to each other throughout the week.
May we do so this week and beyond
in the name of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
(Sean Williams)
Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.
[Photo by Concetta Rotilio @ Flickr]