Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Invoking Power

Last night I had the great honor of leading the invocation at a rally in a nearby town. The guest of honor was the great senator from New York, the theme was change, and hope was in the air.

Recognizing that this would anger some folks in my congregation, I assumed they wouldn't be surprised.

The excitement was overwhelming, and one could literally feel the energy coursing through the room. What an amazing experience. God is on the move!

God of Grace,
We gather before you tonight filled with hope.

Hope for your children, hope for your world, hope for your creation.

You have gathered together your people, across boundaries of age and gender; Race and ethnicity; Religion and politics.

In your eyes we are your beloved, called to care for one another and the world that you made.

Restore our broken lives. Send comfort to all who grieve. Bring peace to all who suffer. Grant healing to all who walk in darkness, fear, and despair.

Guide the leaders of our communities, our towns, our state and our nation.
Give them wisdom to serve with joy and fairness, guide their hands and feet in paths of peace and justice.

Guide us, your people to the vision of your kingdom.

Help us to be agents of your good news in this world, for in each other we see you as we feed those who are hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick, and listen to those whose voices are unheard.

For you have called us, your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, to a future unknown.

Now, give us faith to go out with good courage, not always knowing where we go, but knowing that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us:
Through Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The long awaited Pastoral Rant- Part 2

"Good morning Pastor. Since it is pastor appreciation month, here is a list of things you are doing wrong..."

Sigh.