Pastoral Prayer
Rooted in
Written by Ana Gobledale for Global Ministries 200th Anniversary United
God, with seed you provide, we have sown far and wide.
Sometimes the soil has seemed rocky.
Years later we learn the seed were foreign, the vines we brought invasive and noxious.
Forgive us for persevering against your will, bringing disharmony, distrust and disease.
Show us the gardens of faith we have been unable to see
when we have not recognized the strength and beauty of the indigenous plans.
God, with music you provide, we have sung far and wide.
Sometimes we have feared other names for you, we have not recognized them: Wokanda, Nkulunkulu, Allah
Forgive us for being out of tune, for not recognizing the familiar melody for fearing discord.
God of many names, teach us to recognize your name in other languages and other faiths.
God, with welcome you provide, we have embraced far and wide.Sometimes we have tried to limit your reign, limit your expansiveness by not seeing you as the God of all people.
Forgive us for selfishly claiming you as our own denying others their rightful claim.
God of radical welcome, teach us to widen the circle to unify rather than divide
God, with justice you provide, we have stood firm far and wide.
Out of our faith, we reach out to your world.
We have made mistakes, but we have learned.
Out of our passion, we extend ourselves.
We have sown seeds of justice, love and peace throughout the garden of creation.
God of hope and promise, continue to use us as your instruments
with eyes of wisdom.
Continue to use us to spread your music with ears of compassion.
Continue to use us to tend your garden, with hands of humility.
God, with abundance you provide, as we continue to sow Your seeds, keep us grounded in mission and blooming in faith.
Amen.
Call to Offering
O Hidden Life vibrant in every atom;
O Hidden Light! Shining in every creature;
O Hidden Love! Embracing all in Oneness;
May each who feels one with Thee, know also oneness with every other. Annie Besant
The morning offering will now be received
Benediction
In Christ we experience our wholeness, we are a new creation. As you have received God’s grace, go now and dare to reach out to others, to help others reconcile and make new. And the presence of God, who is our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, will go with you. Go now in peace!
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