[Seek] Something

 

[Advent 21]

These days it's easy to get caught up in the quagmire of grief that surrounds this covid-19 pandemic. There has been so much loss of life, loss of normalcy, loss of our presumption that we have control over anything in life. It's easy to focus on all that is going wrong in the world and in our lives. 

As I edit worship services for my church, I get to listen to the prayers of intercession several times in the process. First, I listen to them to pray along with them. Then, to get ideas for images to go along with them. Then I listen again to make sure the images I've created fit. And again as I insert the images at just the right spot and make sure the transitions are smooth. And one more time, as I watch the worship video as a whole to make sure everything flows.

In listening to the same prayers and petitions over and over, I realize they aren't just prayers for our world, communities, people - they call us to action so we may be the hands and feet and voices of God carrying out their will, creating "on earth as it is in heaven." 

Gracious God, all generations call you blessed. In this holy season we pray for our neighbors of other denominations and faiths. Inspire the faith of their people. Cultivate understanding among us and strengthen us in love and service to our community. Hear us, O God.                         (Prayers from Sundays and Seasons)

Your mercy is great.

We are called to something outside ourselves and our faith - to uplift, understand, and build community with those of other faiths. 

Creator God, you scatter the proud. Everything we have belongs first to you. Bless and protect the seas, mountains, plains, forests, skies, and soils that surround us. Give us humility as we tend them. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We are called to care for something outside ourselves - to tend to all of God's creation, which they have entrusted to us.

Righteous God, you humble the powerful and lift up the lowly. We pray for the leaders of all nations, that they amplify the voices of people in need. Guide all people entrusted with leadership, to create societies in which everyone can flourish. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We are called to pray for someone other than ourselves - to encourage and inspire leaders toward equality for all, justice for all, food and medical care and living wages for all.

What are you seeking to better the world, your community, or the people around you? Seeking something outside yourself, your worry, and your situation that helps others can often bring hope for the future and make right now just a little better.