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.

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: Shake, Rattle, and Roll On ~ 7th Sunday after Pentecost '18 Yr B

For Sunday, July 5, 2018, 7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, 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, truth, and 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, God of Hosts, You know that 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 for the sake of Christ, whose power dwells within us and gives us strength.

                                                O God of Loving Kindness

RESPONSE:             Dissolve our doubt, empower our faith

~ O Lord, God 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, empower our faith

                                               

~ O Lord, God 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, empower our faith

           

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

                                                O God of Loving Kindness

                                                Dissolve our doubt, empower our faith

~ O Lord, God 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, empower our faith

           

~ O Lord, God of Hosts, we continue our prayers for the work of the General Convention of our Church, especially the deputies of _______, as we give You thanks for all those ordained to guide us on our journey to You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God of Loving Kindness

                                                Dissolve our doubt, empower 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 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 Change ~ 6th Sunday after Pentecost '18 Yr B

For Sunday, July 1, 2018, 6^th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, 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 policy by fiat that spawns humanitarian crises in our own land, upsets the equilibrium of responsible government, and creates havoc with allies and foes alike. It feels much like the storm in the Sea of Galilee that so frightened experienced sailors that they woke the sleeping Jesus who calmed the seas and stilled the winds. When the sea was quieted, Jesus and the disciples crossed over to the other side.

     We continue to cross a churning sea of unknown limit and seek to re-establish our footing on solid ground – and 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 a friend in life closer to his heart than anyone else. David exclaims, "How the mighty have fallen!" and we suddenly realize, the "mighty" are just ordinary mortals in their decline. 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 the previous idea of financial support for the poor in Jerusalem, to actually finishing the plan and giving the funds. He tells us all 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.      

     Mark gives us Jesus and the Disciples after the storm, landing on the other shore where 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. Then Jesus goes on to the home of Jairus and is told that the child has died – but of course, we know how this story ends. 

     So two more crossings have occurred into today’s readings – a woman suffering for 12 years crosses back into full health, and a girl of 12 years seemingly dead crosses back into life. 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 in the raising of his daughter. 

     Again I wonder, what has all this to do with my faith? This is not a message that my faith isn't strong enough if I'm not immediately healed. I believe that it is in the reaching for Jesus that we are led to faith in action, and prayer brings God's support every step of the way. With our constancy in prayer, we will be more able to live out our faith with far less fear of what is and of what is to come. It is in the working through faith that we are healed of the ailments of our souls. It is 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 pulling together in all the sea changes we face, giving money, time, and talent according to what we each have, in principle and love, we will bring ourselves and each other safely 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.

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 frequent prayer grows our faith and strengthens our souls.   

                                                God of Plenteous Redemption

RESPONSE:             Hear our Prayer

~ O Lord of Mercy and Hope, awaken compassion, virtue, and morality within ourselves and all who govern in our world, our country, and our community, to ensure that a fair balance be struck between the abundance of the few and the needs of the many. [For USA: On this  242nd anniversary of our country's founding, let us celebrate the beauty, the bounty, and the principles that grant us Freedom, Liberty, and Justice for all.]

We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                Hear our Prayer

                                               

~ 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 tend their needs. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                Hear our Prayer

           

~ 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

                                                God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                Hear our Prayer

~ 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

                                                God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                Hear our Prayer

           

~ O Lord of Mercy and Hope, grant wisdom, clarity of purpose, and stamina for all Deputies, clergy and lay, who now gather, worship, and do Your work in the General Convention of our Church, to benefit the fields of Christ’s Mission and Ministry everywhere. Strengthen those whom you have called to be our guides through uncharted waters. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God of Plenteous Redemption

                                                Hear our Prayer

           

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 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: Stilling ~ 5th Sunday after Pentecost '18 Yr B

For Sunday, June 24, 2018, 5^th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Readings: 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49; Psalm 9:9-20, 

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

        David said, "The Lord, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine. [1 Samuel 17:37]

       The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed…he will not forget the cry of the afflicted…The ungodly have fallen into the pit they dug, and in the snare they set is their own foot caught…the wicked are trapped in the works of their own hands…Rise up, O Lord, let not the ungodly have the upper hand…Put fear upon them, O Lord; let the ungodly know they are but mortal. [Psalm 9:9a, 12b, 15, 16b, 20]

      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]

       David and Goliath - who doesn't know this story, at least from the standpoint of "little guy prevails over very much bigger guy." While we - in the Judeo-Christian culture - know it from the Hebrew [Old] Testament, the story is also found in Islam's Qu'ran. This is the undoubtedly quintessential historical/scriptural/universally significant/underdog-victory tale to which we can all relate. And from which I draw much hope despite my severe lack of skills in hurling stones. Yet David was completely confident that he would prevail, with God's help.

       I will also confess, to experiencing some cathartic venting within the verses of this week's appointed Psalm. I was struck recently when I, having recently seen him in person, picked up Old Testament Scholar Walter Bruggemann's Book "The Prophetic Imagination" again for the first time in many years. In the first sentence of the Preface for this book in 1978, he says, "The time may be right in the church for serious consideration of prophecy as a crucial element in ministry." He includes David in the prophetic class and here we are, 40 years later, and now is yet another right time! I take comfort and relief in this particular Psalm in this particular week.

       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, Be Still!
       And what does this all mean for my life? Do I step up like David and face the Philistine giant, or cower like the Disciples? Am I faith-strong or faith-weak? It depends on the day and the fear; especially in these current days of not only fear but raging anger and strong division in this country and across the world. But Paul urges the Corinthians not to accept the grace of God in vain.  That sentence also jumped out at me. No complacency, no cowering, whatever the hardships, calamities...sleepless nights...kindness, holiness of spirit... there is work to be done in the fields of faith-filled living. But it is 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 most times. But, it also means that I may surprise myself with my own strength, resilience, and capacity, to face the fearsome foes and woes in life, 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 and fear all around, mostly what I need is some time to be still and quiet the winds and waves within myself. And then a step forward and another, in faith, in hope, in genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God. [2 Cor 6:6b-7a] Then some more breathing, quiet, stilling. Repeat.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, 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; Arouse our faith     

~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, 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 aim for and successfully defeat the giant adversaries of 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; Arouse our faith     

                                                      

~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, 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 aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Justice and peace

                                                       Still our fear; Arouse our faith

             

~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, 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; Arouse our faith

~ 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

                                                       Lord of Justice and peace

                                                       Still our fear; Arouse our faith

             

~ O God, our Refuge and our Strength, provide our ordained Shepherds with extra measures of endurance, conviction, and serenity of soul, to guide and join with us in ministry through whatever joys, hardships, calamities, kindnesses, and holiness of spirit we discover in service to Your Will. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Justice and peace

                                                       Still our fear; Arouse 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 angry 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.

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