As I continue to try to write these prayers ahead of the Lectionary cycle, I’m writing these prayers when early voting is still happening in the state of Texas among others. I’ve cast my ballot but I do not know what will happen.
I have my fears. I know I’m not alone in those fears either.
I remember when the results came in last time after I showed up in my pant suit to vote. I wasn’t serving a church then. I didn’t pastor through that moment but I remember the intensity of that grief. I hope that history doesn’t repeat itself as much as I wonder how much politics (does this really count as politics?!?) should impact how we worship.
God will still be God. God is still doing something even if I struggle to see what that is in this moment. This is happening right now and I am really struggling to see the good in my fellow human. There’s that but then there’s Wisdom. How fabulous is she and there’s these words from Amos that have inspired our faith before. What do they say now?
Invitation to Worship Inspired by Psalm 78:1-7 and Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16 Give ear, dear people. Incline your ears. Bend your necks so that you might hear this with your whole heart. Feel your weight shift to make room for this teaching. Wisdom is radiant and unfading. She will be found in every musing and quandary. She will appear in every waking thought and burning question. She may be hard to understand. Her radiance more dusty and antiquated than you had hoped but listen. Listen, dear people, for you are worthy of good news.
Prayer of Confession Inspired by Matthew 25:1-13 Open to us, O God, your compassion for we have grown weary with another wave of infection and illness. Open to us, O God, your mercy for we have so little left. Open to us, O God, your hope for we do not know how or when this will end. Open to us, O God, and show us your grace because we need to feel known and loved especially by you. It feels foolish and absurd, but we no longer know what to believe about this world. Show us your faith. Amen.
I haven’t included Words of Assurance in the past few weeks. I haven’t found the right words and have let the confessions stand for themselves. I’m not sure that’s what we need but this week I need something that fills that gap even when I am without words. So, I rely on music.
It does not appear that this song is covered on CCLI license though a number of their songs are including this one. There’s a curated list of lyric videos by The Many here intended for use in worship that are currently being offered with free streaming rights. That might actually include the above video. I’m unclear. If you’re smarter than me when it comes to these things, please drop a comment below for all of us.
I wonder if I’ll come back and write another prayer after the election or if this addition will be enough. It’s a different format and I’m wondering if it’s easier to copy and paste. That’s the whole point here. I’m trying to make this easy so you don’t have to worry about credit but can copy and paste these prayers and give yourself a little grace.
Prayer of Confession Inspired by Amos 5:18-24 O God, we cannot sing. It is not safe to sing or even gather for worship in the same indoor sanctuary. Do not tell us that in our separate sanctuaries connected as we try to be in praise and wonder that you will not listen. Do not say that. We do not know what to hope for in the darkness of these days but we know we haven’t done all we can to care for the poor and unemployed. We‘ve focused on our own survival when you have wanted justice to flow for our hearts and souls. Help us. Hear our broken melodies try and help us to learn your rhythm of hope and change.
That’s all I’ve got for you this week.
I am always praying for you, dear pastors, liturgists and musicians.
Cooking with Elsa 