People's Prayers: Prayers of the People: Service Station, 21st Sunday after Pentecost

for Sunday, October 18, 2015, 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Yr B, Readings: Job 38-1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37b; Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind: ...Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements ~ surely you know! Or stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? [Job 38: 1a,4-7]

Bless the LORD, O my soul [Ps 104:1a]

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins...In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications...and he was heard because of his reverent submission. [Hebrews 5:1, 7b]

So Jesus called them and said...whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you but be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. [Mark 10:42a, 43b-45]

"There's just no good help anymore" seems to be a common complaint. "Full service no longer exists" is another. In an age of high technological achievement, engineering advancement, and more devices for instant information access than any one can possibly need or use, some days I seemingly spin in circles trying to find a simple answer to a simple question. Suddenly the wonders of life disappear in a haze of frustration, complaining, and wasted time. And then, God speaks through the lessons appointed for this week: WHERE WERE YOU when I laid the foundation of the earth? And my favorite line in all of Job: when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy. The bigger question for me is, where am I?
With much of the world in turmoil from so many sources, why am I frazzling over some temporary nonsense. While I'm far from being a high priest, I am very mortal and more than capable of offering prayers and supplication and some real sacrifice on behalf of others and for my own sin. Jesus may be the paragon of Full Service, but I can at least be a service station for some one along the way. I can start by praying for guidance, for renewal of faith, and the willingness to take my wants out of that inevitable moment that arrives and listen, be present, and help in whatever way is possible. Let my soul be the blessing that God is calling it to be. Let me be of service in Christ's name.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ Eternal God of all Creation, excite us each new day with the abundance in Your precious gift of this living, breathing planet; the literal ground that supports our earthly being. Kindle our desire to actively participate in the care of and for this fragile Earth, our island home.

O LORD, our God

RESPONSE: We bless You with our faithful souls and humble service

~ Eternal God of all Creation, counsel the leaders of our Planet, our Nation, and our Community, so that their words and actions may be enlightened and merciful, knowledgeable and just, and not darkened by willful personal or political power. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O LORD, our God