Repentance

It is time to back up, God, and take stock of the things we have done and left undone that do not match up with Your will for us or for our world. Your kingdom is at hand, the kingdom of heaven. In fact, it is already here and we have some choices to make. If we want to be a part of Your kingdom, Your nation, what does that require of us? How are we supposed to treat each other? What should the focus of our work be? How are our families supposed to shape themselves? How about our individual and community relationships with You? Do we have a picture of what all of this?

You have given us abundant information with which to work and Your ever vigilant spirit on which to call for assistance whenever we need it for support. The basics are pretty simple: love You, love each other, love ourselves. Simple, but a challenge to put into consistent practice.

Please, God, hear us when we come to you with contrite hearts, truly ready to ask You for forgiveness, truly ready to forgive ourselves for all the foolish things we do and for the right things we leave undone. Please keep us ever mindful of loving You, each other and ourselves as being our first priorities. Amen.

Prophetic Voices

God Who Knows All, who are Your prophets? To whom should we be looking to hear Your words more clearly, most directly? We want to explore new vistas, do good work, find justice and make peace, but we are not always quite sure who is speaking Your truth, especially when we see powerful leaders making what appear to be choices that have no connection to Your teachings, even though they claim allegiance to Your name. Please point us to those speaking Your truth to the powers of the world that are all around us. Guide us on Your path of awareness, really seeing what Your truth looks like when we see it so that we do not become discouraged and move on before we have fully grasped its meaning and implications. Amen.

Who is Welcome?

God, sometimes I feel as if keeping a few people I am not fond of out of heaven may not be a bad idea, or too much to ask. Will they really mind spending eternity away from me, out of my sight and out of my mind? Would it be possible, at least, to compartmentalize heaven based on who got along here on earth? It seems sensible.

But, that is not how You work, is it, God? We often believe we are in charge of making the rules, deciding who gets what, when and how much. It becomes very easy to keep that mindset when considering Your will, on earth or in heaven. While we find it easy to project that with which we feel most comfortable onto You, the reality is that Your ways are inclusive above all else. You made all of us and we all remain as Your children. Heaven can hold a whole lot of us and there is room for all of us to finally figure out ways to get along. Amen.

Singing God's Praises

Joyfully, joyfully we adore You, oh God of our salvation and our hope of all hopes! We are giddy, twirling, dancing, spinning, leaping with the complete and utter joy that can only be You deep down in our souls. We cannot contain ourselves! How could we? You are all-knowing, all-caring, always working for us in ways we cannot even begin to realize or understand. You rally to our defense, stand up for us against anyone who would try to defeat us. You welcome us to live with You always, not as a guest, but as Your children. You love us no matter what. Amen.

Seasons

As the earth gently turns away from the sun's warmth, it is important to remember that You are still ever present. The leaves are starting tumbling to the ground, their beauty signals Your gifts of color, crisp texture and rich scent that only bless us at this time of year. The days and nights are cooler, welcoming us to gather in thanksgiving for what this year has been as we round the corner into its final months. No matter what the season, You are a God for all our seasons, both earthly and spiritually. Amen.

Seeking God

When do we seek You, God?

Is it when we are feeling most alone, frightened, anguished? Or is it when we have something special to share that only You will understand?

When else can we seek You, God?

May we call upon Your name, ask for Your presence at other times in our lives? Are You always near, even when we don't acknowledge You?

When are You near, God?

Perhaps we can remember that You are a God who is always near, always ready to laugh with us, not at us. You are a God who dances the jig when we connect with Your spirit and open our hearts to other people. You are a God who delights in our happiness, strength, creativity.

Please remind us that we can seek You, call upon You, come to You and be with You whenever we choose. You will always answer, always be present with us and for us. Amen.

Shepherd's Care

The Lord is our shepherd, so we will never lack for anything. Not now, not ever, because You, oh God, are the source and being of that that is and all that we could ever hope to need. When we are lonely, You come into our hearts bearing comfort, companionship. When we are afraid, You ease our fears with Your loving embrace. When we are sad, Your joy cheers us. When we have walked away from you for reasons we may not even understand, You forgive us, and beckon us to return once more. You know us. You love us. Who could ask for more? Amen.