People's Prayers: Prayers of the People: Where Were You? ~ 22nd Sunday after Pentecost '18 Yr B

For Sunday, October 21, 2018, 22^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year 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]

Are you able to drink from the cup that I drink...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 10:38b, 42a, 43b-45]

In this age of high technological achievement and more devices for instant information access than any one can possibly need or use, some days all I seem to do is spin in circles trying to find a simple answer to a simple question. The amazement and the wonders of life disappear in a haze of frustration, complaint, and a waste of precious mortal time. And then, God, speaking to Job whose earthly trials far exceed my own, says, WHERE WERE YOU when I laid the foundation of the earth? ...Who determined its measurements...On what were its bases sunk...or who laid its cornerstone [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 as Creation in all of its forms continues around me? With much of the world in turmoil and whirlwinds from so many sources, why am I frazzling over some temporary nonsense?
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that high priests were chosen from among mortals to be in charge of things pertaining to God, among other duties. In no way a "high priest," I am nonetheless very mortal and especially subject to weakness in many ways. Therefore, created as a conscious being, I am called by God to actively discover in what ways I am to offer sacrifice for my own sins and on behalf of others. Jesus explains to his ambitious disciples that the cost of being great is not so glamorous as it might seem. Coming back to the theme of the last shall be first and the first last, we are to be servants of Christ for one another, not seeking personal power or status, but rather to put the needs of others ahead of our own. That news may be disappointing for some on days when the temptations of earthly delight seem particularly appealing.
I may not be a major change-agent for the entire world, but I can work to remember my place and responsibility as an active part of God's Creation. Through continuous prayer for renewal of my faith, and the willingness to listen, be present, and help the people of God however I am able, I can ease the desire for being the one served to the choice of being the servant. The cup of Christ may taste bitter at times but the end result will be as sweet and everlasting as the chorus of the morning stars singing together. May my soul be the blessing that God is calling it to be. May I discover each day the courage to drink deeply of the Cup that is prepared for me. And may I always know, through all the whirlwinds of this mortal life, that God is present wherever I am.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ Great and Living Lord of all that is, seen and unseen, excite us each new day with the abundance in Your precious gift of this living, breathing planet; in Your wisdom You have made it all! Let us sing our thanksgivings with the morning stars as we praise and serve all of Your Creation.

O Lord, our God

RESPONSE: We bless You by our faith and action

~ Great and Living LORD, impart insight and prudence to the leaders of our Planet, our Nation, and our Community, that their words and actions may be enlightened and merciful, knowledgeable and just, not darkened by willful personal or political power. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O Lord, our God