Refuge and Strength
I offered this prayer at the Kentucky Regional
Assembly on September 5. I found it in my jacket yesterday, Sunday, and thought
it would be good to offer today with a minor change or two.
God
is
our
refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change, through
the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble.
God,
the mountains are shaking, the earth is changing, and the seas are roaring with
wind, waves, and storms. We confess that sometimes we are on overload from the
world's outcry for help. Even though technology can connect humanity faster
than ever before, we are more gated with walls build of wealth, politics,
weapons, ethnicity, and religion. Where is your
refuge?
We see it in the weary eyes
of volunteers filling sand bags, serving meals, or offering a blanket to those
fleeing or forced from their homes by nature or war. We see it in the hands of
aid workers scattered to the four corners to bring medical supplies to war zones
or working with refugees. We see it through the work of our global outreach
through the work of Week of Compassion and our support of local agencies and
organizations that reach out to the least among us. We experience it when
friends and neighbors attend to us when tears and sorrow come
home.
God, where is your strength?
It is where enemies decide that peace is better than death. It is where
diversity is embraced and not simply tolerated. It is where belief and practice
take us to changing opinions, changed behavior, and changing the world around
us.
We give thanks that parables
from so long ago still teach and give us the chance to hear and perceive the
kindom in our midst. Bless us as we go from our homes, work, and circles of
worship to be refuge, strength, and gospel today. Amen.
Filed Mon - September 15, 2008, 10:09 PM in
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