Jesus, the light that no darkness can overcome, even as the sun rises, the night refuses to relent. We huddle together, afraid, bereft and unsure what to do next. All we can do is cling to each other, assure one another that we heard you correctly, that you did say on the third day you would be raised, that you said plainly that you would not abandon us. Help us to hold fast to your words even when we see no evidence of their truth. Help us to put our hope in you despite our despair and doubt. Amen. … [Read more...]
Resurrection of the Lord/Easter Sunday — April 21, 2019
Luke 24:1-12 Easter Year C The women wasted no time doing the business death requires. I know these women, don't you? In every congregation I've served, as soon as I learned of the death of a church member, I picked up the phone and called the president of the Presbyterian Women group. She in turn called up other women who would then get busy making pimento cheese sandwiches, purchasing mixed nuts and making sure the punch bowl and cups were cleaned and ready for the reception that would follow the memorial service or funeral. In some churches there were women who lined up ushers for the service, typed and copied the bulletin and played the organ. Others made casseroles and delivered them to the family's home, ensuring all those coming in town would be fed for days. The women, and some men, too, took care of the details that must be tended to by the living in the wake of death. Often the one in the casket or urn was beloved by those making sure the reception was beautiful … [Read more...]
Prayer for Good Friday
My God, my God, why have you forsaken your Son? How can you tolerate the suffering of the One who came to save? How can it be that He who brought abundant life has been sentenced to a cruel death? Hear our lament. Stand with us in our sorrow. Sit with us in the dark. Remind us of our Savior’s promise that we will see him again. Grant us the strength to get through the night in the hope of a new day. Amen. … [Read more...]
Prayer for Maundy Thursday
Lord, you are our Master, our Teacher, our Friend. The thought of your suffering pains us. We desperately want a different outcome, an escape from what you tell us must come. As you serve us, wash our feet, offer the bread and cup and give us the commandment to love one another, we relish our time with you. We will remember your words, your actions, your loving care and honor you when we emulate them. Amen. … [Read more...]
Holy Week: The holy in the mundane
What makes this week different from any other? On Monday morning, school buses rumbled down my road at the same hour they do every weekday morning. The pets insisted on being fed, oblivious to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Sunday. Businesses are open, people commute to work, the relentless news cycle blares headlines both harrowing and heartening. But for those of us who follow him, who’ve been saved by his grace and professed our faith in the Messiah born in Bethlehem, our most mundane tasks provide opportunity for praise, purpose and the divine to be recognized, even revealed. We hand over our donkey because Jesus needs it. We throw our coat on the road in recognition of his reign. We procure a space for disciples to sit and eat, knowing Jesus will join them and us whenever we gather. We perform humble acts of service with reverent care because when we do, we show our love for the One who inexplicably first loved us. We care about all the children on all the school buses today … [Read more...]
Prayer for Wednesday of Holy Week
The days are surely coming, Lord, when you will no longer walk the earth. The atmosphere feels sinister as we prepare to gather at table together. Hold us close as we worry our faith will falter and our fear will overwhelm our promise to follow you wherever you lead. Bless our sincere desire to be loyal to you and forgive us when we falter and flee. Amen. … [Read more...]
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