the night before

You could say tomorrow is an important day. It is certainly a exciting one as I lead my new congregations in worship and meal. What a glorious experience and memory this is going to be 20 years down the road. Oh how the sermon will be ridiculous as I read it in 20 years as well.

What is most amazing about this first week of call is that I find myself praying for God to be active and present in places, people, and ways that I have never experienced for. That to me is what my ordination is all about (and the challenge of the call)--having the heart of Christ to see beyond specific situations and places and see them as his beloved.

Here is the prayer that I will open my sermon with tomorrow.

We have gathered again, trusting in your promise
that your word will abide with your people, Lord.

In the midst of our sinking and your unique ways of speaking…

Give us eyes to see you work in the world.

Give us hearts that risk; risks worthy of your sacrifice.

Give us tongues to share the source of our strength and identity.

And be yourself, Lord…creating and moving, judging and loving, calling and changing.

For it is only in you that we have our hope.

Amen.