(work in progress)
Readings: 2 Kings 5: 1-14, Psalm 30, Galatians 6: (1-6), 7-16, Luke 1-11, 16-20.
Prayer of Dedication/Offertory
In the offering of our gifts, as well as the living of our days, may we not grow weary of doing what is right, but commit to speaking up for the voiceless, healing the broken, feeding the hungry, and all those mercies which are such a part of your heart and hopes for all your children. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. (Thom Shuman)
Reflection (may be used as Words of Mission/Benediction)
When we go into the world, O God,
may we not go alone;
with sisters and brothers, with friends,
may we be companions for each other;
may we walk together, talk together,
sing songs and pray and listen,
listen to the story of you, and your love
for all that lives; listen to our
stories telling of encounters of the Divine;
listen in the silence for your still assurance.
When we go into the world, O God,
may we go free of burdens;
may we carry ourselves and the gifts
we have received, with humble confidence;
may we leave behind the extra bags,
the riches of comfort and privilege –
so that we may enter each new place
open to receive what is offered,
to learn more than to teach, to listen
more than we speak, to honour what, and who, we find.
When we go into the world, O God,
may we go free of fear:
may the peace we carry – your peace –
run deep enough to warm our unsheltered nights,
protect us when our peace is rejected,
settle us where we land,
give us joy to eat and drink with friends
who once to us were strangers;
may your peace be the wick for love, O God,
bringing light as we go into the world. Amen.
(Sarah Agnew, Pray the Story. Sound File here).
