People's Prayers

Monday, September 14, 2020

Prayers of the People: Just Deserves ~ 16th Sunday after Pentecost '20 Yr A

For Sunday, September 20, 2020, Readings: Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16

The Israelites said to [Moses and Aaron], "If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we...ate our fill of bread..." [Exodus 16:3a]

Glory in his holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Search for the LORD and his strength; continually seek his face. [Psalm 105:3-4]

Only, live your life in a manner worth of the gospel of Christ...standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents.

[Philippians 1:27-28]

When the first came, they thought they'd receive more...they grumbled against the landowner. But he replied to one of them..."Take what belongs to you. I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you..." So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

[Matthew 20:10a, 11b, 13a, 14, 16]

God rescued the Israelites from generations of horrific slavery and tortuous lives. After sending plague upon plague to dazzle Pharaoh and persuade him to Let God's People GO. When Pharoah said yes and then changed his mind, God parted The Red (aka Reed) Sea so they could still escape. With the initial lack of food and water, the euphoria of getting away gave way to despair for the loss of what they'd left behind. But the unknown road became more frightening than the known hardships they had fled, even with the proven leadership of Moses and Aaron and their demonstrated relationship with God. And so the whole congregation complained against Moses and Aaron, saying, "If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt..." [Exodus 16:2-3, emphasis added] God followed through on another promise and generously provided the meat and bread to fill them but it wouldn't be the last time they grumbled. Perhaps they didn't feel that they had gotten what they expected or what they felt they deserved. In any case, even after their release from Egypt, the parting of the Sea, the meals delivered by frost and wing, they hadn't learned to trust in God.

The vineyard laborers in the parable of Jesus aren't happy that the Landowner is simply using his prerogative to be generous. Same pay for an hour's work for the last hour as for a full day - who wouldn't get upset about that? Don't those who worked longer and did more work deserve more? How many of us Good Christian People would grumble about that Landowner in the parking lot? If only we could feel - and stop - the creeping envy, greed, and judgment filling us. If only we could freely accept someone’s simple generosity to another without feeling as if we were somehow betrayed. Do we ever learn?

It's a difficult balance to fight for equity and fairness for ourselves and others in our temporal life, while relinquishing jealousy and anger at not getting what we perceive is deserved. God isn't leading us by clouds and pillars of fire these days, but by the Word of Christ. Am I seeking it first? Am I hearing? Am I listening? Am I following? Am I trusting? My prayer is to try to find that balance, to not leave releasing envy and grumbling to the last; and, oh yes: Dear Lord, if only You will save me from all that I just deserve...

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ Most Generous God, if only we could remember that Your love for us is limitless as we grumble and complain about fairness in this life. Fill us again with the Living Bread to stand firm with one spirit, to strive together with one mind, for the faith in Christ’s Gospel now, and for the Life to come.

O Lord, our God

RESPONSE: Keep us Gospel worthy

~ Most Generous God, grant us a voice that will move political leaders locally, nationally, and globally to act always on behalf of humanity, mercy, and justice. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O Lord, our God

Keep us Gospel worthy

~ Most Generous God, enfold all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit into Your loving Cloud of Hope, and lift the spirits of those who give them care. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

O Lord, our God

Keep us Gospel worthy

~ Most Generous God, we commend to Your eternal embrace all, still loved in this life, who now live again and forever with Christ. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

O Lord, our God

Keep us Gospel worthy

~ Most Generous God, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

O Lord, our God

Keep us Gospel worthy

~ Most Generous God, grant unlimited energy and ceaseless wisdom to all who have been chosen to elevate Your Church into a vibrant community of faith in every circumstance of Life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O Lord, our God

Keep us Gospel worthy

The Celebrant adds: O God of Eternal Permanence, compel our souls to desire life with Christ first in our every thought and action, and not leave the release of all judgment, greed, and envy within us to the last. We ask this grace through Jesus, our Hope and our Salvation; and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Sanctifier; who live and reign together with You, now and forever. Amen.

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Monday, September 7, 2020

Prayers of the People: Account-ing Lesson ~ 15th Sunday after Pentecost '20 Yr A

For Sunday, 13, 2020, Readings: Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35

The LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided...the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. [Exodus 14:21b, 29]

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord...Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water and flint-stone into a flowing spring.

[Psalm 114:7, 8]

Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions...Who are you to pass judgment on...[another]? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. [Romans 14:1, 4]

Peter came and said to Jesus, "...how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times...'[The lord of the slave said] Should you not have mercy of your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?'...So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart." [Matthew 18:21-22, 33, 35]

The Israelites in the desert escaping the Egyptians is a classic Biblical Epic. A Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar lights up in the night ~ their only GPS. And the parting of the Red Sea ~ a universally known story and some people even know it without conjuring the image of Charlton Heston. After getting across the Sea on dry land, as it folds over and drowns the Egyptians, it says in Exodus 14:31, So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. And then the rest of the journey went well, right? Stay tuned for updates.

I commend to you all of Romans 14:1-12 for a stark lesson in our individual accountability. If it isn’t perfectly relevant to our very time, nothing is. Why do you pass judgment on your brother or your sister? …For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Read the entire piece, re-read, read again and, as we say, “inwardly digest.” It is quite a prelude to this week’s Gospel.

Jesus tells Peter that seventy-seven times we are to forgive, or, as in an older perhaps more familiar translation to some, seventy times seven. Sometimes forgiving once feels beyond my capacity but I sure can snap to judgment in a nano-second. I do know that my instant judgment of another sometimes has to do with a projection of what I don't like about myself, specifically the uncomfortable awareness of my own sins. When I push myself to move beyond denial and engage in thoughtful, prayerful reflection of who I am and how I react, I remember the saying, If God forgives you, who are you not to forgive yourself?! Of course, in these tumultuous times, anger and judgment seem to permeate the very air that we breathe. Forgiving is a challenge when the stakes feel so highly charged. Plus, when I dig deeper, I discover that forgiveness received and given isn't a mere slap-dash-high-five-good-to-go. It requires a significant, deliberate, conscious change in me without requiring the same of others. Oh, the agony! Some days - some minutes! - are easier than others to live up to the challenge of self-changing. But when I purposely accept the forgiveness of God and make a sincere intentional pledge and employ much effort to be better and do better, I do experience a lifting of my spirit, a freedom, and a strengthening of my faith even though, too often, short-lived. Lather, rinse, repeat.

When I feel forgiven, it is easier to extend forgiveness, understanding, and compassion to others. When judgment and cynicism wane and I feel forgiving, the work of faith, hope, and love becomes more instinctual though not less difficult. It is a continuous process filled with detours, back-tracking, monumental failure, and persistence in starting over. Paul reminds us that we are each accountable to God. Perhaps a sticky note that says accountable, on the dashboard of my car or on my computer screen when I log into social media, will help me to remember in one of those many moments, that it is God's favorable judgment I seek. I also need frequent reminders that it is my own responsibility to live as a disciple of Christ, with honor. After all, as Paul asks, who am I to judge another?

Jesus is uncomfortably clear that God will forgive us AS, in the way that, we forgive others. How simply difficult. Okay then, it's a new day, the long road is before us, and, we are never alone as long as we seek that Pillar of Cloud and Light. Let us follow the wisdom of Moses, Paul, and Jesus, and walk always toward God's dry and holy ground with mercy, compassion, and forgiveness for others in our hearts, and an account-ing lesson to remember.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ Holy God, Pillar of our Universe, liberate us from the slavery of judgment and anger, keep us mindful of our accountability to You and always aware that You forgive us as sincerely and grace-fully as we forgive all others.

Most Merciful Lord

RESPONSE: I am accountable to You

~ Holy God, Pillar of our Universe, in these perilous times, energize us to press the urgency of informed decision-making and rational response to crises for ourselves and especially the leaders of our Planet, our Nation, and our Local Community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Most Merciful Lord

I am accountable to You

~ Holy God, Pillar of our Universe, part the waves of illness, pain, and despair for all whose hope is sinking; and lift the spirits of those who provide support. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

Most Merciful Lord

I am accountable to You

~ Holy God, Pillar of our Universe, our souls are comforted by the heavenly embrace and infinite peace of our loved ones who now live again in You. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

Most Merciful Lord

I am accountable to You

~ Holy God, Pillar of our Universe, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

Most Merciful Lord

I am accountable to You

~ Holy God, Pillar of our Universe, bestow an unlimited capacity for energy and spiritual joy to all who are anointed and entrusted to guide us by Your Word and Wisdom. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Most Merciful Lord

I am accountable to You

The Celebrant adds: O God of Wind and Water, our Light in the Darkness, quicken our faith in Your Presence, and impose upon us the character and courage to forgive as forgiven, seeking Your dry ground of mercy and compassion for all. We ask always through the blessings of Your Son Jesus, our Christ; and Your most Holy Spirit, our Counselor; who are together with You, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, August 31, 2020

Prayers of the People: Here and There ~ 14th Sunday after Pentecost '20 Yr A

For Sunday, September 6, 2020, Readings: Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months...I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. [Exodus 12:1-2b, 13b]

Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song; sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful. [Psalm 149:1]

The commandments...are summed up in this word, "Love your neighbor as yourself"...love is the fulfilling of the law...now is the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers...Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light... [Romans 13:9b,11b, 12b]

"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven...For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." [Matthew 18:18, 20]

Five-year-olds have an often startling grasp of reality and a blessedly unrestrained capacity to speak to it. At a 90th birthday party for her Great-Great Aunt, Miss Rebecca, calculating and noticeably pondering the meaning of so many blazing candles, suddenly exclaimed to her with genuine dismay, "OH NO! You're almost died!" Our Aunt, taking it all in stride, replied with a broad smile and very natural tone, "Well, I'm a lot closer than I used to be." And so, as Paul says, are we all a lot closer than we used to be, especially in these times of pandemic, natural disasters, and escalating rage.
This week we are given the details of the tricky, and likely nervous-making, preparation for the Lord’s pass over that was fatal for most and spared only the families who were given, and accurately followed, the instructions. Jesus lays out a plan for conflict resolution in the Church, which if followed without a sense of sincere discretion, care, and responsibility, may have a similarly fatal effect for many individuals and the community itself. He tells us again, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven, which should have a chilling and sobering effect on how we decide to act. Conflict resolution is tenuous in the best of times; a huge responsibility for all parties. The pointing out of faults is always easier when you think you have none. Such a thought is itself, fault-y reasoning. We must each consider, how would I want to be approached if my behavior or attitude or personality is a problem for someone else?
Paul reminds us, because we need to hear again and again, Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." I used to hear that as "love your neighbor as you love yourself" and, of course, if one has difficulty loving oneself it would be apparent in the way they treat others. Yet in the fuller sense, I now read it as written - love your neighbor as your self. THAT person is YOU. Loving him/her/them, is to love yourself, to seek and discover a mirror image in another and love that part of them, however miniscule, that is you. Jesus promises that in unity and community, when two or three or more gather in his name, we bring Him into our midst. How, then, do I speak to and with another knowing Christ is present? That may not make it easier for us, yet it gives us a place to start; a new song to sing. "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law." [Romans 13:10] [and also see Mt 22:35-40, Mk 12:28-34, Lk 10:25-28, Jn 13:31-35]
But of course the world seems over-run with fanatics, psychotics, and sociopaths, and also just plain disagreeable people, who don't understand that MY opinion is the correct one! And I'd paint my doorpost with whatever God wants if that would protect those I love, but it appears that is no longer an option. I must admit that I have trouble liking some people let alone loving them, especially people who intentionally do serious harm physically, emotionally, and spiritually to others. Yet try as I might, the reality is that I cannot change what anyone else does; I can only change my response to it. No easy task, no easy solution, but one certainty exists: Salvation is nearer to us now, and every passing moment brings it closer. The time is NOW to turn to Christ, to act for Christ, to love in, through, and as Christ - whew, hard work when there are no guarantees that our efforts will be successful or appreciated in this life. If only I could just wait a little longer to get in there and do all that I should. But, time's a-wastin', and for those of us who believe in, or at the very least want, eternal Salvation, Jesus lets us know that what we do HERE is directly applied to what we get THERE. But the LIGHT of Christ is always with us whether we are 1s, 2s, 3s or more, together in faith.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ Most High Lord, Your Love, through Christ, will pass over our sins in the moment we seek and live into our true calling. Guide us to forgive the unforgivable, to live honorably and honestly, and to continue the work to love everyone we meet as if they are ourselves.

O Creator God

RESPONSE: We sing You a new song by our lives

~ Most High Lord, with the Radiance of Christ on the doorposts and lintels of and in our lives, we give witness of Your Unconditional Love to all who lead this World, this Country, and this Community, with express expectations that they will act for the safety, wholeness, and health of all Your people. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O Creator God

We sing You a new song by our lives

~ Most High Lord, comfort and heal all who are chronically ill, live in the relentless demand of addiction, or have lost their sense of home, and refresh all who give them care. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

O Creator God

We You a new song by our lives

~ Most High Lord, grant us peace in knowing that our loved ones now blossom in the eternal sunshine of Life everlasting with You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O Creator God

We sing You a new song by our lives

~ Most High Lord, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

O Creator God

We You a new song by our lives

~ Most High Lord, prepare a special place in Your eternal Kingdom for those who lead us in Your Church, who pray with us and for us, preach Your word to us, and shepherd us to spiritual growth in this Community of Faith in ever changing ways. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O Creator God

We sing You a new song by our lives

The Celebrant adds: O God, Holy and Mighty, awaken our hearts that in this short life, we may see ourselves as You see us, with love, compassion, and understanding for ourselves and all others. Illuminate our path with the Light of Christ, the armor that binds us against the darkness of sinful action and evil intent. We ask through Jesus, our Redeemer and Messiah, and the Holy Spirit, our Fount of Wisdom, who live and reign together with You, One God, Timeless, Immortal, and Infinite. Amen.

Monday, August 24, 2020

Prayers of the People: Stumbling Blocks ~ 13th Sunday after Pentecost '20 Yr A

For Sunday, August 30, 2020, Readings: Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c; Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28

Moses...came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush...the bush was blazing but not consumed...God called to him..."Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Then he said, "Come no closer...for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." [Exodus 3:1b-2, 4b-5]

Glory in his holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. [Psalm 105:3]

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;...outdo one another in showing honor...never avenge yourselves...for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."...overcome evil with good. [Romans 12:9, 10b, 19, 21b]

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem...and be killed and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." [Matthew 16:21a,b-23]

From out of the flaming bush, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out from the torture and horrors of their existence as slaves in the ancient world. Moses, probably still trying to grasp that God is speaking to him from a burning shrub, gives a most human response, "Who am I" to do this unimaginable task? Moses had just been minding the sheep in his everyday, ordinary life and suddenly he's called to save a nation - reluctance is the mildest emotion I would have felt! Of course this is a great story worthy of the many dramatic renderings in films and other media that it has inspired. And perhaps because of the magnitude of this command, the primary message seems obscured.

The world of today is not so far away in attitude from the times of Moses. Around the world and in each of our own countries, as many of us go through our days just minding our sheep, there are ever-growing outbursts of racial and ethnic hatred, senseless mass killings, and unchecked and imposed power grabs creating enslavement through poverty, robust greed, oppression, suppression, proactive and reactive violence ~ all elements that have never left the human realm.

But God, through Moses, reminds us that, however reluctant, we are each called to step up to Holy Ground and find our own ways to save nations, if only by one sheep at a time.
It is much easier to wander in the wilderness of apathy or cling to the false gods of power and profit as if to save us from ourselves and each other. But last week Paul reminded us of our individual gifts that work in concert with the gifts of others so that we are one body, with many members, charged to live in and through Christ. This week, Paul, gives us a rapid-fire list of how to begin to be the Living Sacrifice that Jesus calls us to be: Let love be genuine, hate evil, hold fast to good, love one another, outdo, don't lag, rejoice, be patient, persevere, contribute, extend, bless, rejoice, weep, live, associate, and don't claim to be wiser than you are, etc., etc., etc.
I'm nearly exhausted at the thought of it all yet Jesus reminds us that all that has been done will be repaid in kind by God. If we only Follow him, Jesus says, not setting our minds on human things but on the divine, we will gain the life we were created to live. We must take care to suspend our natural impulse to argue with Jesus out of doubt, fear, or unwillingness that turns us into stumbling blocks obstructing the path of others. We must come back from hiding behind the devilish desires for human treasure and move to the front of the line, as did Peter, seeking to overcome evil with good. One day, one small act, one prayer at a time leading to another and another and another...opens the Way forward.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Glorious Creator, Your Sacred Fire sanctifies our faith, transforms our souls, and guides us to find our footing on holy ground in this earthly life. Help us to continually seek Your Strength and Your Face, that we may not be consumed by human things, but set our minds on all that is divine.

Constant and Forever God                                               

RESPONSE:      Grant us Your Strength

~ Glorious Creator, enflame Your Spirit within us to persist and prevail upon the leaders of this Country, this Community, and this World, to reject repaying evil with evil, to hold fast to what is good, legislating only for the honor, dignity, and humanity for all Your people everywhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Constant and Forever God 

Grant us Your Strength

~ Glorious Creator, grant us wisdom as listening ears and helping hands to care for those with physical or mental illness or desperate life circumstance, and for those who struggle to meet those needs.  We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

Constant and Forever God 

Grant us Your Strength

~  Glorious Creator, may our hearts know the joy that celebrates all who have now risen into the Splendor of Eternity, free of misery and tears. We pray especially for: add your own petitions 

Constant and Forever God 

Grant us Your Strength

~ Glorious Creator, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

Constant and Forever God 

Grant us Your Strength

~ Glorious Creator, enhance and extend your enduring grace and faith-filled energy for those among us who are anointed to take on Your mantle of ministry on our behalf. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Constant and Forever God 

Grant us Your Strength

~ The Celebrant adds: O God of Yesterday, Today, and Forever, release us from desire for the superficial milk and honey of this life, the spiritual stumbling blocks of faith. Ignite our passion to Follow, not obstruct, the Way of Christ toward our Salvation. We ask in the name of Jesus, Son of Man, and the Holy Spirit, our Divine Fervor, who reign together with You as One, Living, and Eternal God.  Amen.