Contemplative Service of Word and Prayer January 18, 2023
Welcome to worship this evening with Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. During this liturgical season of “Time after Epiphany” or “Ordinary Time,” we gather in worship mid-week during our ordinary daily life to contemplate our divine God who became human, appearing in flesh among us.
This service of spoken word follows the liturgy from All Creation Sings. God’s word, voices of contemporary contemplatives, personal silent reflection, and prayer is the heart of this contemplative service. Throughout the service, we will observe time of silence together. Silence makes room to breathe deeply, time to still the heart and quiet restless thoughts, and, a place to listen and rest in the presence of God, “like a child upon its mother’s breast” (Psalm 131:2). Some times of silence will last no longer than a deep breath; some will be more spacious. A handbell or singing bowl may be rung to mark them.
We begin worship together in silence and in the unhurried pace of prayer.
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us into a community of prayer.
Gather in silence.
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.
OPENING PRAYER
Let us pray.
O God of steadfast love, you do not desire sacrifices and offerings but a willing heart. When we are bogged down, hear our cries as we patiently wait for you. Give us open ears to hear your instructions, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.
CONTEMPLATIVE VOICE: THE REV. DR. HOWARD THURMAN
(November 18, 1899 – April 10, 1981) American author, philosopher, theologian, mystic, educator, and civil rights leader.
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. How hard it is to wait for the renewal of my strength. I know that I am surrounded by all kinds of limitations of mind and spirit–even of will. I want to wait upon the Lord but somehow I cannot bring myself to it. For so long, I have depended upon my own efforts that I must be taught trust yet it does not have the elements of discipline in it. Discipline means effort at times, self-control, a certain mastery of self, or of the situation. But the discipline of trust is a putting down, an easing up, a releasing of tension, an intense relaxation of spirit. Somehow this release is
identified in my mind with failure, with weakness of which something within me is afraid and ashamed. Teach me, O God, the simple lesson of trust.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, silence, reflection, and song.
Psalm 40:1-11 (Read Responsively)
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.
A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
A voice says, "Cry out!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.
Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God!"
See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.
THE READING Isaiah 49:1-7
1Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. 2He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. 3And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." 4But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the LORD, and my reward with my God." 5And now the LORD says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and my God has become my strength — 6he says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." 7Thus says the
LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, "Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."
HOMILY Pastor Ron BonnerSILENCE
Silence concludes with a bowl chime
PRAYER
The Holy Spirit prays with us and through us.
INVITATION TO PRAYER
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence ended with a bowl chime
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God; For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For Elizabeth Eaton, our Presiding Bishop, and Kevin Strickland, our Bishop; and for all bishops and other ministers; For all who serve God in his Church.
For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
The People may add their own petitions
Hear us, Lord; For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
The People may add their own thanksgivings
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; Who put their trust in you.
Silence ended with a bowl chime
O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
“For Waiting in Public”
Before you disappear into yourself, let your heart wander this mundane creation.
Notice this space and bless the ones who care for it. Notice the sounds and bless who make them.
PEACE
Be present until you sense tenderness that surrounds you. There are stories and dreams and fears in this place though you might never know their details. Wonder with them and offer yourself to their mystery.
Let us leave this evening from this sacred time embraced by the love of God, filled by the Holy Spirit, and blessed by the peace of Jesus Christ. May his peace that surpasses all understanding be with you now and always. And also with you.
From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
i. Thurman, Howard. Meditations of the Heart. “They that Wait Upon the Lord.” Beacon Press: Boston, 167.
ii. Carlson, Meta Herrick. Ordinary Blessings: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Everyday Life. “Waiting in Public.” Fortress Press: Minneapolis, 18.
SILENCE BLESSING FOR EVERYDAY LIFE REV. META HERRICK CARLSON