Readings for this week: RCL readings.Proper 24B.Ordinary 29B.P+21
Mid-week service outline: 8am Tuesday
Prayer of Confession
It is easy for us to imagine that we are at the centre of the universe, that we have complete control over our lives, that we come first. We regret the times when we forget the other, when we have put ourselves first and neglected to recognise and see the need of those around us. We confess that we find it difficult to let go of our sense of entitlement, that often we demand what we see as ‘rightfully ours’ and completely ignore the fact we are one with everyone else, that everyone counts and also have rights.
We are sorry for our shortcomings.We pray for forgiveness trusting in the goodness and kindness of God’s forgiving love.
(c) Helen Warmingham 2012
Prayer of Intercession
Loving God, we pray for all people who are struggling to cope and survive in a world where there is much hardship, poverty, intolerance, hatred and indifference. We pray that we may be people who as individuals and as a community are sensitive and compassionate to the needs. desires and dreams of others and that we open ourselves to be caring, loving people who are willing to generously share what we are and what we have. May we be willing to do our bit to make a difference. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen
(c) Helen Warmingham 2012
A reading from Job and a reflection
Job said, “I cry to you and you do not answer me; I stand, and you merely look at me.” Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements – surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk? Who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?” (Job. 30.20, 38.4-8)
We want answers.
God gives us presence, but not answers.
Loving attention, gazing at us from within,
faithful companionship,
walking with us through this amazing Creation,
all of it fashioned in a love and wisdom that we can’t comprehend,
with wild art and crazy beauty and boundless love–
this Creation that holds us and births us
and cherishes us even in our mortal unravelings,
offers us delights in its steady hands, even in our tragedies–
reverence that ours can’t even imitate,
purpose that the human mind can’t read
any better than the poetry of the time before time,
forgiveness, mercy and delight– but not answers.
Beyond all suffering and pleasure, reason and meaning,
our desperate clutch at making sense,
the love God gives us doesn’t need to become any less than perfect mystery.
No answer,
just God.
Source: Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes, Unfolding Light, www.unfoldinglight.net
