Prayers of the People: The Dancing King ~ 8th Sunday after Pentecost ‘24 Yr B

For Sunday, July 14, 2024, 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]

    The construction of the Ark of the Covenant begins in Exodus 25 and in Deuteronomy 10:1-10, Moses tells us that God directed him to make two tablets to replace the ones Moses broke. After God re-wrote the Commandments on the new tablets, Moses says that he put them into the Ark.  Bringing the ancient, storied, and sacred 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 and strange interlude between the verses we are given for today ~ the sudden death of Uzzah by God’s hand, which sparks David’s anger with God and then leaves David afraid [be curious and look at 2 Samuel 6:6-12]. Our 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, near 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 does.

    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 both the Gentiles and the 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.

    Mark’s Gospel reading takes us into the later story of Israel. And here 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.

   This, for me, is one of those unusual Sundays when the architects of the Lectionary seem to have had some leftover pieces for which to make an interesting Testamental salad. Perhaps one message is be careful with what you ask for – or – what you offer in return for… Yet each, in their own way, is part of the others in bringing the story of Israel from the earlier time of 2nd Samuel to the Psalm, and on to the later times of Mark and Paul. Through these somewhat disparate pieces we are connected to the fulsome life story and teachings of Jesus.

    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 toward redemption, life eternal in God’s Kingdom. That’s where the real and forever music and singing is, with our Triune King leading the greatest Dance of Joy. 

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 through 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 through 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 through 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 through 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 through 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 through 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.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: Shake, Rattle, and Roll On ~ 7th Sunday after Pentecost '24 Yr B

For Sunday, July 7, 2024; Readings: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; Psalm 48, 

2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13

All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, "Look, we are your bone and flesh..." [2 Samuel 5:1]

     As we have heard, so we have seen, in the city of the Lord of Hosts…We have waited in silence on your loving-kindness…This God is our God for ever and ever; he shall be our guide for evermore. [Psalm 48:7a, 8a, 13]

    I know a person in Christ who…was caught up to the third heaven – whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows…and heard things…that no mortal is permitted to repeat…to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh…I appealed to the Lord…but he said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power in made perfect in weakness”… Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults…for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. [2 Corinthians 12:2, 4b, 7b, 8a, 9a, 10]

 Then Jesus said to [the disciples], "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house"... He said to [the disciples] …if any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” [Mark 6:4,10a, 11]

         In our times, as throughout history, powerful/charismatic leaders attract some ardent followers who want to stay very close, idolize, and would even act as the bone and flesh of the hero. Such absolute devotion by others can easily skew one's initial humility and original intent. Some who claim political or other power and authority become more interested in the adulation and adoration than in the responsibilities of genuine leadership. They cultivate and bask in the unfettered loyalty of a few, while deliberately oppressing and persecuting others who aren't so easily beguiled. Staying modest and humble in the face of eager and constant admirers is difficult for the most sainted of humans. David had such struggles later in his life. Paul may have recognized it in himself and accepted the thorn as a sacred reminder to be aware of the dangers of holding deep power of persuasion over others. His monologue in this passage almost sounds as if he is reminding himself, as well as the Church at Corinth, in his repetition that he, himself, doesn't know all but God knows. 

     As in every life in the public eye, there are always detractors. Jesus was his most human self in his frustration with the hometown reaction he received, as he kept moving along, doing what he could, where he could.  Jesus called the Disciples and sent them off two by two to do God's work. In giving them the command to shake off the dust if not welcomed and roll on, we are reminded by Jesus that our earthly time is short to get done what we are to do. We are also called to keep moving ~ together ~ shaking off the dust of the detractors and disappointment, rattling the chambers of despotic power, and rolling on to the next opportunity to offer the justice, the truth, and the welcome of the Gospel. Together, we can also work to keep the thorns of despair, hardship, and calamity from piercing us all the way through.

    David, Paul, and Jesus were all doing the work God had given them to do and, as in every human life, some days were better than others. There are two post-Communion prayers in the US Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and both say that we are "living members" of the Body of Christ. In one, we, the pray-ers, ask God to, "Send us now into the world in peace..." and in the other to "...send us out to do the work you have given us to do..."  Let us ponder, this week, what work, whose bone and flesh, and what thorns are we willing to take on? And, why? Shake, rattle, and roll on...

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O Lord of Hosts, as we are each presented with trials, troubles, and weakness in this earthly life, quicken our ability to recognize and accept these thorns as grace-filled opportunities to remember the Presence of  Christ, whose power dwells within us and gives us strength.

                                                O God of Loving Kindness

          RESPONSE:           Dissolve our doubt; Exhilarate our Faith

~ O Lord of Hosts, You know the hearts and souls of us all, including those who govern in this World, this Country, and this Community. Grant us ever-increasing fortitude and determination to persist in speaking Your truths of love, justice, and mercy on behalf of the most beleaguered and oppressed in our midst and around the globe. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God of Loving Kindness

                                                Dissolve our doubt; Exhilarate our Faith                                      

~ O Lord of Hosts, restore hope and wholeness to all who struggle with chronic illness, homelessness, or recovery, and infuse their supporters with energy and endurance. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                O God of Loving Kindness

                                                Dissolve our doubt; Exhilarate our Faith          

~ O Lord of Hosts, ease the sorrow of all who mourn as those who now live again in You, are filled with the joy of bliss in Your eternal peace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God of Loving Kindness

                                                Dissolve our doubt; Exhilarate our Faith

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

                                                O God of Loving Kindness

                                                Dissolve our doubt; Exhilarate our Faith        

~ O Lord of Hosts, as we give You thanks for all in the Church who are ordained to guide us on our journey to You. We offer our prayers of thanksgiving for the election of the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe as our next Presiding Bishop and for the Mission, Ministry, and Spiritual Leadership and Guidance of Michael Curry as our outgoing Presiding Bishop. We also pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God of Loving Kindness

                                                Dissolve our doubt; Exhilarate our Faith           

The Celebrant adds: Almighty Creator, our God and Guide forever, embolden our willingness to shake off the dust of rejection and mockery when we step out in faith and turn our lives to Christ. Let us share in his prophetic ministry and be his bone and flesh on earth. We ask through Jesus, our Prophet and Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit, our Fount of Wisdom; who together with You 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 and edited for local use 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: Sea-ing the Changes ~ Proper 8, 6th Sunday after Pentecost '24 Yr B

For Sunday, June 30,2024,  Readings: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27; Psalm 130, 

2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43

  How the mighty have fallen…I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me… [2 Samuel 1:25a, 26a]

   Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD…hear my voice; let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication … 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 [Ps 130: 1, 4, 6b, 7a]

  For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has – not according to what one does not have...it is a question of fair balance between your present abundance and their need…" [2 Cor 8:12, 13b-14a]

    When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea...Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." [Mark 5: 21, 36b]

   We are living in chaotic times as we try to pay attention to and cope with the whiplashing effects of random violence, continuing de-humanization of some groups of people by others, the political polarization in this country and around the world, terrible weather events, and the devastation of ongoing wars. It often feels much like the storm in the Sea of Galilee, in last week’s Gospel, that so frightened experienced sailors they woke the sleeping Jesus who calmed the seas and stilled the winds. This week the reading begins after the sea was quieted as Jesus, with the disciples, crossed over to the other side. In our time we continue to cross the churning seas of daily news as we seek to re-establish our footing on something that resembles solid ground. In the disarray, the anger, and the fear, some of us move into new consciousness, some of us retreat into the old.

    This week even as David returns home a victor in war, he crosses over the exultation of winning into the woeful lament and mournful loss of Saul and Jonathan. Saul became an enemy that David still loved nonetheless, and Jonathan was in life closer to his heart than anyone else. David exclaims 3 times in this reading: "How the mighty have fallen!" and we suddenly realize how the fallen "mighty" are just ordinary mortals like the rest of us. Even the “mighty” will end their earthly sojourn in a grave, the great equalizer of us all.       

    Paul enters testy waters as he asks the Corinthians to cross over from a previous idea of financial support for the poor in Jerusalem, to actually finishing the plan and giving the funds. He tells us that if we are eager to help, any gift is acceptable given according to what we have and not given from what we do not have. I especially like when he says in verses 13 and 14, I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of fair balance between your present abundance and their need…What is too much; what is too little? Our own eagerness – or lack of – will determine how we give.      

     As Mark gives us Jesus and the Disciples after the storm on the other shore, Jesus is met by a frightened father in fear of his daughter's serious illness. Jesus agrees to go to see the child. On the way, a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for 12 years reached for and touched his cloak and was suddenly healed. Perhaps those witnessing also crossed over into an even greater level of faith in Jesus as Jesus tells the woman, "Your faith has made you well." And it was the faith of Jairus that Jesus responded to yet as he approached, the wailers and weepers declared the child was dead. Jesus responds by telling them that she is just sleeping and the wailers laughed.

     An interesting point is that earlier in Mark’s Gospel (6:5-6) it says that while in Nazareth, Jesus could do no deed of power because of the unbelief of those in his hometown. When there is no faith, healing is exponentially more difficult. To that end, he sends all the scoffers away, takes mom, dad, and his disciples into see the little girl, and once inside they all become collaborators* with Jesus through their faith, unlike the home-crowd in Nazareth.

    As the child crosses back into life from death, I remember my long-held curiosity about the woman suffering for 12 years and the 12 year old girl. Twelve years and twelve years…** 

    I wonder (as usual) ~ what has all this to do with my own faith? This doesn’t appear to me as message to say that if I’m not immediately healed of some affliction that my faith isn't strong enough. Maybe I/we need to revisit what we mean by healed. Perhaps it is that in the reaching for Jesus we are led to faith in action inwardly as well as outwardly. In the most difficult times, when faith is strained, perhaps it is enough to believe that prayer brings God's support to every forward step we attempt to take even if the outcome we most desire isn’t seemingly fulfilled. With our constancy in prayer, we will be more able to live out our faith with far less fear of what is or isn’t and of what is to come. I think that it is in the working through our faith, in all of the sea changes of life, that our souls are healed, or at least mended, and our confidence of Christ’s presence within us grows. It is also that gathering in a determined community of faith, crossing various angry seas at times and floating along in the moments of tranquil waters, that we find our strength and purpose. With all hands on deck, we join together, in a collaboration of faith, sea-ing the changes we face, and in so doing, we are each touching the hem of Christ. In giving money, time, and talent as we are able, in principle and love, we will bring ourselves and each other to that heavenly shore, where there is no death, or chaos, or strife, but only life everlasting. In God, through Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, there is plenteous redemption.

*On Facebook, I happened to see a meme with a quote from John Dominic Crossan, one of my favorite theologians. When asked why God doesn’t do this or that, Crossan said: While we are waiting for God’s intervention, God is waiting for our collaboration.

**I finally searched on this point and while here is only one source, I found it fascinating and of course the comments that follow it are, well, what they are. I will continue to explore but here’s a beginning point, do click and read and let me know what you think: https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/13692/two-stories-intertwined-in-mark-a-12-year-old-daughter-and-woman-with-a-12-year 

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY 

Leader:  ~ O Lord of Mercy and Hope, as we more easily turn to You in the tragedies of life, remind us that Your presence is constant even in the everyday routines. Guide us to be as constant with You, mindful that even a hesitant prayer touches Christ’s hem, grows our faith, and strengthens our souls.   

                                                O God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                O Lord, hear us call 

~ O Lord of Mercy and Hope, awaken compassion, virtue, and morality within ourselves and in all who govern in our world, our country, and our community, to ensure an equitable balance between the vast abundance of the few and the significant needs of the many. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                O Lord, hear us call                                             

~ O Lord of Mercy and Hope, relieve the suffering of those with serious illness, addiction, or desperate life circumstance, and give wisdom and respite to those who give them care. We now join our voices to pray for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                O God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                O Lord, hear us call           

~ O Lord of Mercy and Hope, fill us with the peace of knowing that those who have crossed to the other side, now live again forever, in the glorious bliss of Your eternal kingdom. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                O Lord, hear us call 

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

                                                O God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                O Lord, hear us call 

~ O Lord of Mercy and Hope, strengthen those whom you have called to be our anointed guides through all the uncharted waters of this earthly sojourn. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                O Lord, hear us call    

The Celebrant adds:  O Lord of Peace and Wholeness, as the woman reached to Jesus, and the child awakened at his call, grant us the determination to reach towards You with fearless faith, eagerness of heart, and purity of intent. May justice and mercy prevail among all Your people. We ask through Jesus, our Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit, our Sanctifier; who together with You 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 and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Meditation Moment: ~ Wednesday, June 19, 2024: What IS Juneteenth?

Meditation Moment for June 19, 2024 ~ Juneteenth

Today, the reason for our newest Federal Holiday is still unknown in many white communities of this country (or worse: ignored, discouraged, or  disparaged). Federal employees have the day off as do many state employees where it has been adopted.* So what exactly does it mean or commemorate? Let me answer first with this:

   Imagine that you have been in prison for your entire life. You were born there. Many of your family have died there. You MUST do what your Jailer tells you to do inside or outside from dawn to dark of night, in all kinds of weather amid threats, serious physical  punishment, or a violent death, if you fail even for a moment. Your parents, your children, your spouse ~ if you have any ~ are sent to other prisons and you will likely never see them again. You are fed, some more meagerly than others, and you have housing, of a sort ~ cold, hot, damp, with rats and mice and other critters and insects living with you crawling through your food and all over your body for the few hours you are in that space. So if you are 90 or 50 or 30 or 15 years old you have been conditioned to be a prisoner. 

   Then one day, say you’re imprisoned in Texas on June 19, 1865, this General Gordon Granger arrives to tell you and all the imprisoned like yourself, that your release from prison was ordered by President Lincoln more than TWO YEARS ago but you are only hearing about it today. What is your first reaction? And what comes later as you realize it took 2 Years for you to be released? And then what becomes of you and your descendants who were and are hated and maligned and murdered because those who imprisoned you, and were then forced to release you, poisoned the small minds of others who didn’t look like you.

Lord God of us ALL, You created us in the many colors and shades of our ancestors from the palest pale to the darkest dark and all the hues in between, and gave us the free range of the various parts of Your planet to develop our languages, spiritualities, and cultures that bring great and beautiful diversities to the whole Earth. Give us the courage and strength to walk together with You as our Guide, with Christ our Teacher, and with the Holy Spirit as our Grace-Filled Energy to love one another ~ and ourselves ~ as You who Mothers and Fathers all, loves and blesses each and every Human of all shapes, sizes, temperaments, language, culture, and color. Amen.

Click here for more history of Juneteenth:  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth

*States that have adopted Juneteenth as a State holiday:  

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/06/09/more-than-half-of-states-now-recognize-juneteenth-as-an-official-holiday/

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: Keep Still-ing ~ Proper 7, 5th Sunday after Pentecost '24 Yr B

For Sunday, June 23, 2024, Readings: 1- Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10-16; Psalm 133, 

2 Corinthians 6:6-13, Mark 4:35-41

  David had success in all his undertakings; for the Lord was with him. When Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David; for it was he who marched out and came in leading them. [1 Samuel 18:14-16]

  Oh how good and pleasant it is when brethren live together in unity! …for there the Lord has ordained the blessing: life for evermore. [Psalm 133:1,5]

   As we work together with Christ, we urge you not to accept the grace of God in vain…as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance…hardships, calamities…kindness, holiness of spirit…in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. [2 Corinthians 6:1, 4, 6, 8]

  A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was…asleep…and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be Still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” [Mark 4:37-40]

   The story of Saul’s rise and fall is one that repeats itself continuously throughout the history of the world and into our own day, and no doubt, beyond. Power is intoxicating and addictive whether bestowed, assumed, or taken by force. The more power one has, the more one wants and needs, be it wealth, political, or any other form of which greed is a by-product. At some point such power breeds fear within the power monger as enemies mount, serious mistakes in judgment are made by the one who must continue to believe that they cannot fall even as their failures to triumph increase in frequency. The fear of losing often accelerates into near madness. Earlier in 1^st Samuel, Saul ignores Samuel’s instruction to wait for him and takes on the religious role to offer the appointed sacrifice before a battle. Samuel recognized Saul as the political authority but not as the religious authority and was angry at this usurpation. We read last week that God later regretted his appointment of Saul as King. This week Saul having bestowed much favor on David becomes afraid of him as the Lord has withdrawn his favor from Saul for ignoring his instructions and has now given it to David. Later we’ll read what happens when David comes to his full power…

   And then we move to the utter simplicity and brevity of Psalm 133. In only its first and last short verses lie the complete encapsulation of ALL of God’s commandments: live together in unity…for there the Lord has ordained the blessing: life forevermore. Ah, but then we’d have to give up some of our personal power however small in comparison to another.

   Contrasting David's confidence in Mark's Gospel, the Disciples are terrified of the storm on the water. But wait, aren't most of them experienced fishermen? That must have been one whale of a storm to frighten them so much and you can almost hear the translation of Jesus's words to them in today's terms as "Seriously, you woke me for this? Where is your faith?" And, of course, Jesus tells the waves and winds, Peace! Be Still!

   And what does this all mean for my life here and now and tomorrow? Do I step up like David and face the Philistine-giant Foe of our own time, or cower like the Disciples in the wind-blown boat? Am I faith-strong or faith-weak? Well, that truly depends on the day and the fear; especially in these current days of not only of multiple worries on many fronts but raging anger, strong division, and the growing prevalence of random as well as targeted violence and bloodshed in this country and the across the world.

    Paul urges the Corinthians not to accept the grace of God in vain. That sentence jumped out at me. As well as reminder that in commitment to and as servants of God there is to be no complacency, no cowering, whatever the hardships, calamities...sleepless nights...hunger…kindness, holiness of spirit... as there is work to be done in our own fields of faith-filled living. And yes it is very difficult and often thankless work in this earth-bound, high-tech, materialistic, us vs. them, temporary life. Keeping my faith in God through Christ and the Holy Spirit conscious and active takes great effort in most times. Yet, it also means that I may surprise myself with my own strength, resilience, and capacity to face the fearsome foes and woes in life, most especially the ones I create for myself! I can also shine as the brightest of suns when the greatest joy arrives. And yet even in the most ordinary of times with daily frustrations, or the stormiest with anger, anxiety, and apprehension all around, mostly what I need is to take a moment to be still, breathe deeply, and quiet the winds and waves within myself. And then a step forward and another and another, in faith, in hope, in genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God [2 Cor 6:6b-7a]. Then some more deep breaths to bring in enough physical and mind-ful peace to just keep still-ing while moving. Then: Repeat. Often.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God, the Power in our Souls, in the face of fearsome foes, grant us the courage to brace against and still the winds of evil and the waves of emotional, physical, and spiritual damage engulfing so many of Your people, especially the children. Remind us often that You never forsake those who seek Your trust.

                                                     Lord of Justice and Peace

         RESPONSE:                Still our fear; Strengthen our faith     

~ O God, the Power in our Souls, infuse our minds and hearts with the skills of Your servant David, that we may challenge the leaders of Earthly, National, and Local governments to work against discrimination, injustice, and physical danger for all Your people. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Justice and peace

                                                       Still our fear; Strengthen our faith     

~ O God, the Power in our Souls, restore health and give comfort to those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, and give patience to those who tend their needs. We now join our voices to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Justice and peace

                                                       Still our fear; Strengthen our faith 

~ O God, the Power in our Souls, lighten the burden for all who grieve, as You embrace those newly arrived to dwell with You, in the glory of everlasting life and peace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Justice and peace

                                                       Still our fear; Strengthen our faith 

~ O God, the Power in our Souls, 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 Justice and peace

                                                       Still our fear; Strengthen our faith           

~ O God, the Power in our Souls, provide all of our ordained Shepherds with extra measures of endurance, conviction, and serenity. Especially in the week ahead in our Church’s General Convention, grant wisdom, clarity of purpose, and stamina for the US House of Deputies, clergy and lay, who with the House of Bishops now gather, worship, and do Your work to benefit the fields of Christ’s Mission and Ministry. Guide their discernment for the election of a new Presiding Bishop as our Spiritual Leader and Mentor for our journey as Your servants, always discovering ways to live into Christ’s Call. We pray especially for: We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Justice and peace

                                                       Still our fear; Strengthen our faith      

The Celebrant adds:  Most Loving God, help us to fully accept Your grace as true and humble servants in the wildest of storms and the most ordinary moments of this life. Fill us with faith enough to quell the tempests within ourselves and with each other, that we may see through another’s eyes and learn to walk together, if differently, to Your Eternal Shore. We ask through Jesus, our Peace and our Salvation; and the Holy Spirit, our Wisdom Guide; who with together with You, are One God for all of time eternal. Amen.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: A Few More Ounces ~ 4th Sunday after Pentecost '24 Yr B Proper 6

For Sunday, June 16, 2024, Readings: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13, Psalm 20, 

2 Corinthians 5:6-10, [11-13], 14-17; Mark 4:26:34

   ...for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. [1 Samuel 15:7b]

   May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, the Name of the God of Jacob defend you…Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God. They will collapse and fall down, but we will arise and stand upright.  [Psalm 20 1, 7-8] 

    We are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord -- for we walk by faith, not by sight. [2 Cor 5:6-7]

   With what can we compare the kingdom of God...It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." [Mark 4:30-32]

    Early in the Hebrew Testament reading for this week, Samuel is grieving over Saul’s abysmal kingship. God was sorry that he had made Saul king as he disobeyed God’s decrees and decided to do only as he wanted to do and in his own way. It’s an interesting and rare moment that God regrets a decision. The only other time we’re told about is in Genesis 6 when God regretted the creation of humanity and so, enter Noah. For me, it’s comforting to know that there are times when God’s mind is changed about a prior decision. While we only know about two of them from the Bible, perhaps there are more? How does this speak to those who firmly believe in pre-destination also known as fate or the concept that God already knows everything that will happen?

    God is then preparing Samuel to find a new king for Israel and explains the criteria to him. Mortals look at outward appearance and make judgments while God looks on the heart and from that vantage point, God guides the uncertain Samuel to choose Saul’s successor. David, who while the smallest seed of Jesse, had a confident heart when the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him at his anointing.

    When the reading from 2nd Corinthians for this week began with "So we are always confident...," I was immediately struck with the sense of how, more often than not, I am far from feeling confident in my faith or in my understanding of God.  It feels especially rocky in those moments in life when, as Paul says in Romans 7:15: "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing that I hate." For that reason I had to retreat to the end of chapter 4 and the start of chapter 5 in 2nd Corinthians to find my internal footing, to begin to accept that the opening lines of today's reading from Paul really can apply to me. Paul tells us just before today’s reading that we [are to] look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. [2 Cor 4:18] It all seems very cryptic but it then weaves into Paul's reminder this week that being at home in this earthly body, that is seen and also temporary, is life away from the Lord. We are called to seek our eternal, and not yet seen, home with our Lord God, and in so doing we become a new creation in Christ. 

    As usual, with Paul’s letters, we have to take our time and plod through the sometimes density of his words to discover the meaning. It is also important to remember that Paul wrote those letters in his time to specific churches and communities in their time as guidance for their particular issues. We can only truly relate to them in our own time, and IF those issues are our own individual life and spiritual questions, and also collectively as a parish for the same reasons.

    Jesus carries things further in his likening the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, a very tiny seed that grows into a shrub or tree so large that birds can nest in its branches. The parable of the mustard seed appears in the Gospels of Mark, Matthew [Matthew 13:31-32] and Luke, and has always resonated with me, especially later on in Luke when Jesus says that all we need is faith the size of one of these very tiny seeds and mountains can be moved [Luke 17:6].  Just how small is that exactly? Well some varieties yield seeds the size of the period that ends this sentence. The average modern mustard seed is about one tenth of an inch across and it takes about 750 seeds to weigh one gram or 3% of one ounce. An average green grape weighs about 5 grams or 17% of an ounce. Well, I think my faith is as good as that tiny seed which comforts my heart and a offers my soul quite a few more ounces of confidence.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Creator of the Seen and Unseen, You brought forth and seeded the Universe with life and living in all of its forms. Grow our willingness to tend our personal spiritual gardens by weeding out temptation, feeding with prayer in action, and prospering the work of our souls for Your service.

 

                                                     O Lord our God

       RESPONSE:                  Help us grow confident in faith 

~ Creator of the Seen and Unseen, answer us in our days of trouble and cultivate the growth of virtue, decency, empathy, and righteousness within the souls of all who govern in this World, in this Country, and in this Community. Implant any change of heart needed to bring about the full and equal flowering of all people, and cessation of violence and war everywhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord our God

                                                       Help us grow confident in faith                                             

~ Creator of the Seen and Unseen, may all who are weakened by severe illness, depression, or desperation, feel nested in the comforting shade of Your healing embrace. Fortify and strengthen all those who give them care. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord our God

                                                       Help us grow confident in faith             

~ Creator of the Seen and Unseen, through the beauty and abundance Your Earth provides, we give continuous thanksgiving for the brilliance of the eternal life, where those we love now live anew and thrive forever. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord our God

                                                       Help us grow confident in faith

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

                                                       O Lord our God

                                                       Help us grow confident in faith

~ Creator of the Seen and Unseen, enhance the special combination of humility and confidence in those chosen to serve as leaders in Your Church. Guide them as they guide us to vibrantly bloom as a new creation in Christ. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord our God

                                                       Help us grow confident in faith

The Celebrant adds: O God, Most High, instill in us the wisdom to know that, however small and humble our beginnings, as we walk by faith and not by sight, we will surely reap the fullness of life eternal from the seeds of Your infinite love and grace. We ask through Jesus, our Christ, in whom all Creation is new; and the Holy Spirit whose Wisdom enriches the roots of our souls; who together with You, are One God, now and for ever.  Amen.  

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