Contemplative Service of Word and Prayer January 25, 2023
204Welcome 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
Let us pray.
PRAYER
O God of light, you are our salvation and stronghold. When days of trouble assail us, shelter us in your embrace, hear our cries for help and alleviate our fears. Give us a spirit of persistence to seek your face in all things, in the name of Jesus we pray.. | Amen.
CONTEMPLATIVE VOICE: REV. EMILY SWAN
A Prayer for the Church
Spirit of Jesus
Come with fire that refines, Water that refreshes, Wind that topples, Breath that fills.
Kindle a global revival of empathy, justice, and active peacemaking. Birth a witness of Love that is bigger and better than we inherited.
Liberate us from privilege and oppression.
Unshackle the gospel from nationalism, colonialism, white supremacy, and every other lens that shrouds the Good News.
Give us an abundance of grace for others and ourselves.
Grant us compassion for those who suffer.
Free us from the influence of money, power, and acclaim.
Restore our reputation for caring for the poor, loving our neighbors, being ambassadors of peace and stewards of the earth.
Unlock the immense resources hoarded in the Western Church and release them for your name’s sake.
Encourage us, so we do not grow cynical, isolated, and burnt-out.
Fan our hopes, our joys, and our connections.
Allow us rest when we need rest.
Enable us to see you in each person we encounter.
Show us mercy, in our humanity.
Let us love more fully than we thought possible.
Let us not be quick on the draw, ready to realitate, escalate, assassinate.
Let our collective fervor for justice eclipse institutional concerns.
Let us trust and follow the wisdom of those who have been marginalized. Let us persevere in creating safe places of worship to eat bread and drink wine together.
Let us stand for Love and with Love, following the way of your Son as best we're able.
Let us not fear an experiential spirituality.
Let us listen to the wondrous bodies you gave us.
Let us hear your voice and tangibly feel you with us.
Let us discern your guidance. Let us abide in and with you.
Show us what you're doing, so we can work together. Move where you will, when you will, in whatever way you will. Come, Holy Spirit, and restore your Church. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, silence, reflection, and song.
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
(Read Responsively)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
‘Come,’ my heart says, ‘seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!
THE READING 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, ‘I belong to Paul’, or ‘I belong to Apollos’, or ‘I belong to Cephas’, or ‘I belong to Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
HOMILY Deacon Mary Houck
SILENCE
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.
SILENCE
BLESSING FOR EVERYDAY LIFE Rev. Meta
“For Space”
Sometimes I need just enough air between me and the world so I can return to myself.
It gets noisy or rote so I need just enough air to sing to the silence that missed me.
PEACE
When the words swirl I need just enough air to find my own pace and permission to ponder.
Herrick CarlsonThere is an urgency to keep up, so I need just enough air to feel that stillness is holy and answers are not everything.
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.
204
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. Swan, Emily. A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal. “The Holy is Here, Present with Me: A Guided Meditation by Emily Swan.” Convergent Books: Colorado Springs, 41.
iii. Carlson, Meta Herrick. Ordinary Blessings: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Everyday Life. “Waiting in Public.” Fortress Press: Minneapolis, 18.