. Our problems will not be solved by cheap or easy comments at another’s expense, however much we want to make our points with each other. (And do cheap and easy comments ever really change anyone’s mind?). Do what you can to respond in love, and to slow the emotions that grip us all so easily these days. And pray. There are plenty of psalms that simply cry out to God, saying, “Come—we need you now.” Pray with or without words.
I’d like to close with a word of thanks to you all and to Craig. As you know, I had Covid last Sunday, and I had arranged a sub. Evidently, she overslept and arrived only as you all were leaving the parking lot. But you still had worship, thanks to Craig’s (and Alex’s!) leadership, and thanks to your steady and willing participation. Thank you.
Grace and peace, and I’ll see you in church,
Becky
Prayer
Lord, as you have taught us,
we bow down before you in all humility, gentleness and patience,
supporting each other with love
and trying to keep the unity of the spirit by the bonds of peace,
that we may become “one body and one spirit,”
according to our common calling and vocation.
With one voice, repenting of our divisions,
we commit ourselves to working together
for reconciliation, peace, and justice,
and we stand together in imploring you:
help us to live as your disciples,
overcoming selfishness and arrogance, hatred and violence;
give us the strength to forgive.
Inspire our witness in the world,
that we might foster a culture of dialogue,
and be bearers of the hope which your gospel has implanted in us.
Make us instruments of your peace,
so that our homes and communities,
our parishes, churches, and nations might resonate more fully
with the peace you have long desired to bestow upon us. Amen.[1]
[1] https://www.faithward.org/belhar-confession-prayers-of-commitment/?utm_source=Discipleship+Ministries+Email+Newsletters&utm_campaign=54624e6cb6-Praying+for+Change+7%2F30%2F21_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f939527158-54624e6cb6-416628792&mc_cid=54624e6cb6&mc_eid=139d07c461