Sunday, September 2, 2012

When this old sanctuary is full of silence and prayer.


"And my heart rose up within me- that's exactly what it felt like-
and I said, 'I have heard any number of fine sermons in my life,
and I have known any number of deep souls.
I am well aware that people find fault,
but it seems to me presumptuous to judge the authenticity of anyone's religion,
except one's own. And that is also presumptuous.'

And I said, 'When this old sanctuary is full of silence and prayer,
every book Karl Barth ever will write
would not be a feather in the scales against it
from the point of view of profundity,

and I would not believe in Barth's own authenticity
if I did not also believe he would
know and recognize the truth of that, and honor it, too.'"

-from Gilead


I get to go to church this morning.

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Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.