Prayers of the People: Peaceful Sunset? ~ 12th Sunday after Pentecost, '18 Yr B

For Sunday, August 12, 2018, 12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Readings: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33; Psalm 130, Ephesians 4:25-5:2, 

John 6:35, 41-51 

       The king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!" [2 Sam 18:33]

        If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, O Lord, who could stand? For there is forgiveness with you…I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; in his word is my hope…for with the Lord, there is mercy; with him there is plenteous redemption... 

[Psalm 130: 2-3a, 4, 6b-7a]

       Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger...Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. [Ephesians 4:26, 31-32]

   Jesus said, "I am the bread of life.” Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in my will never be thirsty…Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life…This is the bread of life that comes down from heaven so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever... [John 6:35, 47-48, 50-51a] 

      Forgiveness and hope, for me, are the over-arching themes of this week's readings. Without filling in the many and nearly salacious details of earlier chapters, we begin with yet another small piece of David's tangled story that violently ends the lust, intrigue, and betrayal by his sons Amnon and Absalom.  Although there is barely a taste of it over a few weeks of the Sunday lectionary, the life of David takes us from triumph to tragedy, with power and love amidst anger and hatred, revenge, and grief. As the sun sets on this dynamic and dramatic kingship, forgiveness is the repeating core element of God's relationship with David, and with us ~ God forgives David; David forgives Absalom; and God forgives us all. A key ingredient is, as with each of us, that while God saw all of David's deeds and misdeeds, God continued to love him and yet there was no escape from punishment and pain for this very human king.
      The Psalmist gives voice to the anguish of the depths yet holds on to the hope of God's word, that for those who follow, there is plenteous redemption.

     How about this news: not just a wedding shower plaque or a meme on Facebook, it was Paul who gave us that familiar phrase don't let the sun go down on your anger. Though he does give us permission to be angry ~ whew, because it's hard not to be at times ~ we are not given license to sin because of it, and we are strongly admonished to put away the by-products of anger ~ bitterness, wrath, and malice. It's not easy to be tenderhearted and
forgiving when someone has broken your trust and your heart. Yet again we see that God, through Christ, forgives them and us. And as someone else wisely said, if God forgives, who am I not to? 
      In our "real time" of now, it is easier than ever to be goaded into explosive anger by political, religious, and nearly any other subject when there are vicious, reactionary, or merely polarizing opinions voiced on any media outlet you can name. My God-given life is 'way too short to feed the frenzy and be frenzied by the feed. I want to change my anger into positive energy and direct it toward solutions to genuine problems rather than to just add more unproductive trash talk. Jesus tells us no fewer than six times in this Gospel reading, that he is our salvation, our bread of eternal life ~ do we hear it, do we know it, do we believe it yet? Through him, by God, we are forgiven everything, if we only just believe. Then faith will truly change our lives.
      Forgiving is hard and may appear to be unrewarding work. But forgiveness does not mean that I or the other have to give up disagreement or even some true and righteous anger. Forgiveness doesn't mean that the issue has changed from wrong to right and no relevant punishment is due. Wanting justice is surely part of the act of forgiveness yet may not be apparent; however, in the act of forgiveness, mercy is paramount.  As the Prayer of St. Francis says, "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned." Pastor Max Lucado said beautifully, "Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner!" Forgiveness is a work in progress. My own satisfaction in forgiving will be in believing that I am also forgiven and thereby have tasted the Bread of Life and freed myself from the useless prison of an angry heart. And so let the sunset always be peaceful as a new day in Christ will soon dawn in this world and the next.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Lord of Mercy, grant us the patience to overturn our own bitterness, wrangling, and self-serving wrath, even if only in thought, and to know our own sin more quickly than another’s. Guide our hearts to be kind and forgiving, to live in love, and to believe in and feed on the Bread of Life.

   God of Plenteous Redemption

RESPONSE:    Let us forgive as we are forgiven          

~ Lord of Mercy, fill us with Your Truth to speak peace-filled words that give grace to those who hear. Let us join together to turn righteous anger into positive energy for the work of Christ across this Planet, this Country, and this Community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                       Let us forgive as we are forgiven

~ Lord of Mercy, whisper Your word of hope to all who wait and struggle in body, mind, or soul, and calm the hearts of all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                       Let us forgive as we are forgiven

~ Lord of Mercy, instill in all who grieve, deep peace of heart, in knowing that their loved ones now joyfully feast at the glorious banquet of eternal life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                       Let us forgive as we are forgiven

~ Lord of Mercy, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                       God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                       Let us forgive as we are forgiven

             

~ Lord of Mercy, enrich the souls of those entrusted with our spiritual growth through our worship, study, and prayer, that brings us unity in Christ as members of one another. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                       Let us forgive as we are forgiven

             

The Celebrant adds: Eternal God of Hope, energize our faith and excite our souls that whenever this life brings anger, grief, or distraction from You, we do not fall into sin but seek to live and act as the living legacy of salvation through Christ. We ask through Jesus, our sacred Bread of Life, and the Holy Spirit by whom we are Sealed for Redemption, who together with You are One God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: Fresh Bread ~ 11th Sunday after Pentecost '18 Yr B

For Sunday, August 5, 2018, 11^th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Readings: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a, Psalm 51:1-13, Ephesians 4: 1-16, 

John 6:24-35

      Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man. He said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity"...Nathan said to David, "You are the man!

[2 Samuel 12:5-7a]

      Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving kindness…Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me…Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful spirit.

[Psalm 51:1a, 11, 13]

       I [Paul]...beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called...But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift...The gifts [God] gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ...  [Ephesians 4:1a, 7, 11-12]

     Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you....Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."  [John 6:27, 35]

      David, oh David, God and everyone around you saw how you intentionally sent a man to his death so you could have his wife as your own. God told Nathan to tell you only a few of the ways you are to be punished for your terrible transgressions. There will be many more tragedies visited upon your house because of your greed and actions of abusive power. 

      How easy it is to read this ancient drama/morality tale and feel smugly comfortable that this a fascinating episode in a longer narrative. And David's momentous life from first we know it until the end is the stuff of legend, novels, and films. But David reacts to Nathan's story as I might ~ and have done ~ when confronted with an anecdote or a behavior of someone else that causes a sudden and righteously angry reaction within me. Then, just as suddenly, moments of my own sin roar into my consciousness and require immediate, honest self-reflection, and sincere penitence. 

      Create in me a clean heart, O God [Ps 51:10] is a prayer that comes swiftly to my regretful mind and heart in those times. (Some translations use pure in place of clean.) Yet the saving grace and hope ~ for me and all of us ~ is knowing that although God punished David, God never abandoned him, always loved him, and was with David as he finally saw his sin with woeful clarity. And so it is for each of us today.
      Paul begs us to lead a life worthy of the calling and it is Jesus who brings earthly appetites into focus for us now, in our own time, in our own lives. I remind myself again that the Bible is more than stories of "then" it is also "now." All that happened then is happening now, the dreadful things, the lovely things, the boring things, and the long lists of things ~ look at headlines any day of the week. Jesus has given us the directive of what to take with us and what to leave behind on our Journey to Eternal Life. By him we are fed and led. Through him we are redeemed; we are forgiven. All we need to do is believe it and then live into our belief by our words and actions, by following Jesus. Christ, our Savior, will never abandon us. Jesus is our manna from Heaven, our Bread of Life. His are truly nourishing words, and always, always Fresh. 

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Holy God, Loving and Kind, give us the joy of Your saving help again. Awaken us to humility, gentleness, and patience, to bear one another in love and build up the Body of Christ.

                                                    Jesus, Bread of Life                                                               

RESPONSE:                 Our Food for Life’s Journey

~ Holy God, Loving and Kind, grant us the conviction to speak the truth in love to all who hold authority in this Community, in this Nation, and on this Earth. May our words arouse benevolence and compassion and stem the tide of greed, racism, and division. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Bread of Life

                                                       Our Food for Life’s Journey

~ Holy God, Loving and Kind, release from suffering all who live in the throes of chronic illness, depression, or addiction, and give strength to those who love them. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Bread of Life

                                                       Our Food for Life’s Journey

~ Holy God, Loving and Kind, release us from earth-bound grief to know that the joy of Heaven is unceasing for all who have received new life in Your bountiful Spirit. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Bread of Life

                                                       Our Food for Life’s Journey

~ Holy God, Loving and Kind, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Bread of Life

                                                       Our Food for Life’s Journey

             

~ Holy God, Loving and Kind, refresh and energize all who are blessed with gifts as evangelists, teachers, and pastors. Guide them as they strive to equip us to find our own gifts for the the work of ministry, and grow in Christ through the bond of peace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Bread of Life

                                                       Our Food for Life’s Journey

             

The Celebrant adds:  Eternal LORD, cleanse our hearts and renew Your right spirit within us, that we may be willing and worthy to lead the lives to which You have called us. Kindle our desire to turn to You each day, to nourish our souls for the work of heaven, that gives life to the world and endures for eternity. We ask through Jesus, our Divine Sustenance, and the Holy Spirit, our Bountiful Counselor, who together with You are One God, for all infinite, imperishable time. Amen.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: 2 + 5 = Satisfaction ~ 10th Sunday after Pentecost Yr B '18

For Sunday, July 29, 2018, 10^th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Readings: 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21

…[David]…saw from the roof a woman bathing…Bathsheba…wife of Uriah…David sent messengers to get her and she came to him…David wrote a letter [to] “set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting…that he may be struck down and die.” [2 Samuel 11:2b, 3b, 4a, 15a,c] 

      All are corrupt and commit abominable acts...The LORD looks down from heaven upon us all, to see if there is any who is wise, if there is one who seeks after God...those evildoers...[who] do not call upon the LORD...will tremble with fear, because God is in the company of the righteous.[Psalm 14:1b, 2, 4b-c, 5] 

        I pray that...you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith...that you may have the power to comprehend...what is the breadth and length and height and depth...[of] the love of Christ...that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  [Ephesians 3:16-18] 

        A large crowd kept following [Jesus]...they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted...When evening came, his disciples got into a boat, and started across the sea...It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough...[and] they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid."  [John 6:2, 10b ,16-20]

       How, when one is the adored [or feared] King with unlimited power and significant appetites, possessing or immediately acquiring everything desired, even the life or death of another within finger-snapping distance, does one keep that power in check, the appetites moderated, and the ego from attempting to control the world? If you're King David, apparently not very well. But God was watching...and every human reign ends.

      Reckless and wanton disregard for the lives of others, as the psalmist describes corrupt and abominable acts, may ultimately be forgiven by God, though not without consequences and only IF the self-serving seek after God’s love and mercy. Otherwise they will tremble with fear, because God is in the company of the righteous.

      Paul's prayer from prison reminds us, that God has the power to grant us inner strength when we seek God and are rooted and grounded in the love of Christ through faith. Although the faith exhibited by the disciples who followed Jesus wasn't always perfect, as ours is also far from perfection, the people knew by the signs of his actions who Jesus was. The available 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread were all Jesus needed to satisfy the hunger of a large crowd. Imagine how faith in Christ, as the Bread of Life, could satisfy our spiritual hunger and deepest soul needs. And, after all that had happened on that day alone, as Jesus walked across the water to the boat - he still had to tell the disciples not to be afraid. How many of us are fearful, anxious, and worried even as we proclaim our faith?       
      All of us falter or fail in how we live our faith, some fail with ego-moderating, and others with the suppression of various appetites, others just fall away. Even Jesus got angry - righteously so, perhaps, but still...And God is watching, knowing our hearts even more than we do at times, and loving us anyway. Stop, breathe, and pray, every now and then, to be rooted and grounded in love, to try and understand in some small way what is the breadth and length and height and depth of our Creator's gift of this life and the next. Whether feeding the 5,000 on the mountainside or strolling across the Sea of Galilee on foot, God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, by the power of the work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine from the heavens to the universe, on land and at sea. Let us be fed by faith, even if weak, for spiritual and eternal satisfaction, for courage and comfort in the rough seas of life. When we step out together no matter how fearful, we find courage, support, and complete satisfaction in the wealth of Christ’s bounty.  

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, as You look down upon us and know us deep in our hearts, fortify our inner beings that we may be rooted in faith, fed by Your limitless love, and express the eternal fullness of You in our everyday lives.

                                                     Faithful, Merciful God             

RESPONSE:                  Turn our fear into courage

~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, equip us to transform the minds and hearts of all who govern on this Earth, in our Country, and in our Community.  Grant us the energy and determination to release all of Your people from bigotry, poverty, and dread. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Faithful, Merciful God

                                                       Turn our fear into courage

~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, give rest and hope to all who suffer from serious illness in body, mind, or spirit, and relief to all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       Faithful, Merciful God

                                                       Turn our fear into courage

~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, comfort all who mourn as you lift the precious souls of our loved ones to the bliss and beauty of everlasting life in You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Faithful, Merciful God

                                                       Turn our fear into courage

~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                       Faithful, Merciful God

                                                       Turn our fear into courage

             

~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, enrich and enhance the wisdom and vision of all who lead us in Your Church, as together we sail the unpredictable waters of life on our journey to You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Faithful, Merciful God

                                                       Turn our fear into courage

             

The Celebrant adds:  Gracious, Loving Lord, endow us with spiritual insight to know and experience the miraculous breadth, and length, and height, and depth of Your nourishing presence in our lives. Grant us the gifts and willingness we need us to bring You into the life of this world. We ask through Christ Jesus, our Teacher and Healer, and the Holy Spirit, our Comforter in Affliction, who together with You live and reign as One God now and forever.  Amen.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: Peace by Piece 9th Sunday after Pentecost '18 Yr B

For Sunday, July 22, 2018,  9^th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Psalm 89:20-37, Ephesians 2:11-22, 

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

     Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? …Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” [2 Samuel 7:5, 7]

     My faithfulness and love shall be with him, and he shall be victorious through my Name…He will say to me, “You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. [Psalm 89:24, 26] 

      ...[In] Christ Jesus...is our peace...he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall...thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body...you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined...you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.  

[Eph 2:13a-14,16a,19-21a,22]

      As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things…they laid the sick in the marketplace, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.  [Mark 6:34, 56b]

     The last time these readings were appointed, a mere three years ago, we were reeling from the shooting deaths at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Remember that? So much happens so quickly that yesterday’s horrors are replaced by today’s. Little did we know the magnitude and numbers of events ahead with death and destruction, from human hands and natural disaster, locally and around the world. Our psyches are overloaded with tragic and hate-filled images and a barrage of voices with words that incite, frighten, or depress us. And every day we unite ourselves defensively with one group only to alienate ourselves from another, because, as always, we know that “we” are correct in our opinions and reactions and “they” are not.

     How do we take it all in; how do we fix it; how do we reconcile with “them?” What steps might make genuine, helpful, hopeful progress, with and for each other, in our very brief human life?  Every day we are challenged and every day we have to start within ourselves to consciously decide how we will face the tests and tasks ahead.

     The words of Paul are a starting point: For [Jesus] is our peace…he has…broken down the dividing wall between us, that is, the hostility between us… for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father [Ephesians 2:14, 18].  Will this fix all the nastiness in the world, prevent disasters, or change anyone else’s mind? Certainly not on any grand scale. But every act of kindness, even just a smile, is a gesture that heals.

     In the opening reading appointed for today, David wanted to build God a house but God said, not so fast. God never asked for a house but was clear that when God wanted one, the builder would come from David yet after him. Paul tells us that together spiritually, we are God’s dwelling place.

     Accepting the peace of Christ within calms my soul, my heart, and my mind. It helps me to project the peace of Christ on the outside, at least until I forget and then remember to begin again. I can’t change anyone but me. I can seek and find sabbath time, joy, and love as constructive energy to counter and redirect the forces of anger, pain, and suffering. I can offer at least a moment of reconciliation and light in a tunnel of despair, but it can be hard going alone.

     Jesus is the foundation of our spiritual household. In Him there is no "them." Each of us are one connecting piece that joins the whole structure and strengthens the peace among us and beyond. Together, in this one small pocket of this difficult world, we can make a house into a peace-filled home that is truly a dwelling place for God.            

           

As the hymn says:            Christ is made the sure foundation,

Christ the head and cornerstone,

chosen of the Lord, and precious,

binding all the Church in one;

holy Zion's help for ever,

and her confidence alone.

[Hymn 518, The Hymnal 1982]

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ God of Faithfulness and Love, break down the walls that divide us, and strengthen the faith we need to reconcile ourselves to each other and to You, as one body. Let us walk together as the heart and hands and feet of  Jesus, our Cornerstone in the foundation of Your eternal Household.

                                                       Lord of Peace and Compassion

RESPONSE:                  You are the Rock of our Salvation

~ God of Faithfulness and Love, illuminate the path and endow our spirits with the talent and capacity to enlighten all who hold authority in our World, in our Country, and in our Community. Unite us in our quest to stand firm in the peace of Christ, and acquaint these and other leaders with all Your saving ways. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Peace and Compassion

                                                       You are the Rock of our Salvation

                                                      

~ God of Faithfulness and Love, embrace the desperate and downtrodden, heal the sick, and energize all who give comfort and care.  We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Peace and Compassion

                                                       You are the Rock of our Salvation

~ God of Faithfulness and Love, to You we commend these beloved, already citizens with the saints, who now have risen to live again in the glory and light of the Kingdom that never ends. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Peace and Compassion

                                                       You are the Rock of our Salvation

~ God of Faithfulness and Love, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Peace and Compassion

                                                       You are the Rock of our Salvation

             

~ God of Faithfulness and Love, we lift our prayers in gratitude for all who are anointed in Your service as they lead us, teach us, and heal our souls, while journeying with us to life eternal in You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Peace and Compassion

                                                       You are the Rock of our Salvation

             

The Celebrant adds:  Lord God of Hosts, nourish our souls as we seek to open ourselves as conduits of grace to all we meet, joining together as the whole structure of Your holy temple, a spiritual dwelling place for You and for all You have created. We ask through the Hope of Christ Jesus, and the Sacred Breath of the Holy Spirit, who together with You reign as One God, now, forever, and always.  Amen.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: King of the Dance ~ 8th Sunday after Pentecost '18 Yr B

For Sunday, July 15, 2018, 8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Readings: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19; Psalm 24, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29

       David danced before the LORD with all his might...So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. 

[2 Sam 6:14-15]

      The earth is the LORD's and all that is in it, the world and all who dwell within...who can stand in this holy place? Those who have clean hands and a pure heart...not pledged to falsehood nor...fraud...Who is this King of Glory? The LORD, strong and mighty... [Psalm 24:1, 3a-4, 8a]

     Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places..In him we have redemption, through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace...you...when you...had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the...Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory. [Ephesians 1:1-3, 7,13,14]

      When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it." [Mark 6:22]

         Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to his own city has King David leaping and dancing in the procession with sheer joy. Yet the ecstasy and glory of the happy journey expressed in this reading does leave out a puzzling piece that is between the verses we are given for today ~ the sudden demise of Uzzah, which sparks David’s anger with God and then leaves David afraid. The reading then pops in three months later. David dances again giving offerings to God and generous gifts of meat, bread, and cake to all the people of Israel who have re-gathered. It’s always interesting, for me, to read what is skipped over by the appointed lessons, as well as what is included that seems to interrupt the intent of the reading. For example, in the middle of what we are given today, is a curiously ominous sentence that takes place in the later celebration: …Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. [2 Sam 6:16] But if we look back at her story earlier in 1^st and 2^nd Samuel, we can begin to understand her heart, as God surely does.
         Later on in the story of Israel comes Herod Antipas, a son of King Herod the Great, now the local ruler in Galilee. The famous dance of his daughter left him and his guests so well pleased and entertained that Herod rashly and boastfully promised her anything, even half his kingdom. When she consulted charming mommy, daughter dearest asked Herod for John the Baptizer’s head. Herod, it seems, actually liked listening to John even if fearful of him. But more fearful was he of the appearance of weakness in front of his guests, and dancing back his own grief over the request, Herod relented and John soon arrived served up on a platter, having parted company with the remainder of his body.
        But Paul, in this letter to the church in Ephesus, while cooling his heels in a Roman prison, is singing a different tune. This reading is one long sentence in the original and may well have contained parts of a hymn that the locals would have known. Paul tells the Gentiles and Jews who believed in Jesus, that it is God's purpose for all to be united, as God's own people, living holy and blameless lives through the redemption of Christ. By the riches of grace, we are forgiven our trespasses and sealed by the Holy Spirit. As we set our life's purpose to live in obedience, giving praise to God, and with our hope in Christ, we will reap the reward of our inheritance, life eternal in God’s Kingdom. That’s where the real music and singing is, with our Triune King leading the dance. 

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O Lord, Strong and Mighty, release us from all hesitancy in expressing our faith openly and gladly. Fill us with the divine joy that, even in the midst of anguish and anger, allows our spirits to dance away the timidity, the fear, and the trust that holds us back from You.

                                                God, our King of Glory

RESPONSE:             Purify our Hearts for Christ

~ O Lord, Strong and Mighty, transform and endow all who hold power on this Earth, in our Nation, and throughout our Community, with character, honor, and integrity. Guide them away from falsehood or fraud and toward decisions and actions of mercy, justice, and peace for Your own people. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God, our King of Glory

                                                Purify our Hearts for Christ

                                               

~ O Lord, Strong and Mighty, pour your healing grace upon all those who wake each day with depression, addiction, or desperation, and revitalize all who provide assistance and care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                God, our King of Glory

                                                Purify our Hearts for Christ

           

~ O Lord, Strong and Mighty, calm the tears of those who mourn, for the lights of those we have sent ahead now shine more brightly, as they dance in heavenly joy forever in You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God, our King of Glory

                                                Purify our Hearts for Christ

~ O Lord, Strong and Mighty, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                God, our King of Glory

                                                Purify our Hearts for Christ

           

~ O Lord, Strong and Mighty, we give thanks and praise for the work and dedication to Your Will by the deputations of the General Convention of our Church, as we give a hearty Welcome Home to the Deputation from our own Diocese. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God, our King of Glory

                                                Purify our Hearts for Christ

The Celebrant adds:  God of Presence and Promise, from within Your mysterious Will, we receive the riches of grace granting us the forgiveness of our trespasses, the gift of every spiritual blessing, and the inheritance of redemption through Your Holy Son. Grant us each the willingness and courage to pledge ourselves to the praise and glory of Your name, through every word and action of our earthly lives. We ask through Jesus the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, and through the seal of the Holy Spirit, who together with You, reign as One God, now and forever. Amen.

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