Liturgy

Restore us, O Living God, by the breath of your Spirit,
for some of us are wilted and weary. Some of us are
anxious for restoration, and wonder if it will happen at all.

Hear our voices crying out amidst the noise,
where we hide to wait for a new day.

Let us not be bound to the earth by our
weariness and tears, but rather swirled about
and lifted up by the wonder of your life within us.

Revive us, O Lord. There is praise to give and
work to be done and surprising life to nurture.

No matter our tired bones, you are
not finished with us. By your goodness
and grace, may we not be finished.

We ask in the name
of our God, the Creator,
of Jesus, the Christ,
and the Holy Spirit, our Breath of Life.
Amen.
(written by Rachel Hackenberg)

Scripture

We invite you to hear from the reading of Psalm 68:4-9.

4 Sing to God, sing praises to his Name;
exalt him who rides upon the heavens; *
YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!

5 Father of orphans, defender of widows, *
God in his holy habitation!
6 God gives the solitary a home
and brings forth prisoners into freedom; *
but the rebels shall live in dry places.

7 O God, when you went forth before your people, *
when you marched through the wilderness,
8 The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain,
at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, *
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; *
you refreshed the land when it was weary.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
The grass withers and the flower fades,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Homily and Reflection

Homily Podcast – The Wisdom of Signing 5.21.2023

Which song or breath practice might you deepen?
Where do you desire to feel more free?
How might song or breath help you decide to wait or move?

Benediction

May you feel the light
of the Sun behind all suns.

May you live in the grace of the dawn’s glory.
May you be strengthened in the rays of the afternoon sun
and healed by the light of the stars and moon.

May it be well with you, and may you
be a part of the world’s healing this day.

And may the blessing
of God’s Song resonate in your being,
the Healing of God’s Son embrace you,
and the Holy Spirit, our Breath of Life
be with you this day.

[ Photo by Han Chenxu ]