​We are called from the routines
of our ordinary lives
to experience the holy;
invited to come near to God ...
to hear God speak,
that we might be transfigured ...
changed ...
by the glory of God's presence.
Come if you dare.
Come, and seek God's face.

​We are fearful, Lord:fearful of the consequences of our past mistakes,
fearful of the present state of our affairs,
fearful of our future as a result of both.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
We are overwhelmed, Lord:
overwhelmed with guilt,
overwhelmed with questions,
overwhelmed with hopelessness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
We are hungry, Lord:
hungry for acceptance,
hungry for grace,
hungry for belonging.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Hear our prayers for those who have been defined
by their prior bad acts.
Grant us grace to remember our own failures,
and to love unconditionally those who seem
unlovable.
Hear our prayers for those who grieve
the loss of community,
who feel abandoned and alone,
who are desperate to be reconciled
and reunited.
Empower us to act as peacemakers
in places of conflict,
and comfort in places of distress.
Hear our prayers for our siblings in Christ
whose other-ness makes them targets
of bullies and browbeaters.
Embolden us to speak up in the name of justice,
and to protect those among us
who are marginalized.
Hear our prayers, O Lord,
Make your face to shine upon us,
and be gracious unto us;
grant us your favor, we pray,
and give us peace.

We are fearful, Lord:
fearful of the consequences of our past mistakes,
fearful of the present state of our affairs,
fearful of our future as a result of both.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.


We are overwhelmed, Lord:
overwhelmed with guilt,
overwhelmed with questions,
overwhelmed with hopelessness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.


We are hungry, Lord:
hungry for acceptance,
hungry for grace,
hungry for belonging.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.


Hear our prayers for those who have been defined
by their prior bad acts.
Grant us grace to remember our own failures,
and to love unconditionally those who seem
unlovable.


Hear our prayers for those who grieve
the loss of community,
who feel abandoned and alone,
who are desperate to be reconciled
and reunited.
Empower us to act as peacemakers
in places of conflict,
and comfort in places of distress.


Hear our prayers for our siblings in Christ
whose other-ness makes them targets
of bullies and browbeaters.
Embolden us to speak up in the name of justice,
and to protect those among us
who are marginalized.


Hear our prayers, O Lord,
Make your face to shine upon us,
and be gracious unto us;
grant us your favor, we pray,
and give us peace.
We are fearful, Lord:
fearful of the consequences of our past mistakes,
fearful of the present state of our affairs,
fearful of our future as a result of both.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.


We are overwhelmed, Lord:
overwhelmed with guilt,
overwhelmed with questions,
overwhelmed with hopelessness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.


We are hungry, Lord:
hungry for acceptance,
hungry for grace,
hungry for belonging.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.


Hear our prayers for those who have been defined
by their prior bad acts.
Grant us grace to remember our own failures,
and to love unconditionally those who seem
unlovable.


Hear our prayers for those who grieve
the loss of community,
who feel abandoned and alone,
who are desperate to be reconciled
and reunited.
Empower us to act as peacemakers
in places of conflict,
and comfort in places of distress.


Hear our prayers for our siblings in Christ
whose other-ness makes them targets
of bullies and browbeaters.
Embolden us to speak up in the name of justice,
and to protect those among us
who are marginalized.


Hear our prayers, O Lord,
Make your face to shine upon us,
and be gracious unto us;
grant us your favor, we pray,
and give us peace.

​Come closer,
you who have been sold out for someone else's fears,
and you who have been fearful enough to do the selling.
Come closer,
you who are hungry for spiritual nourishment
and you who have been called to provide it.
Come closer,
bring your household
and all who look to you for direction.
Come closer.
Hurry! Your redemption is here.
Do not delay!
Let us worship God!

​Your people are living
in a desert wasteland, O God,
having trusted too long
in the promises of humans
instead of leaning on you.
We are wearied
by the fear-mongering
and the attacks on humankind.
Lift us up out of our despair,
we pray,
and plant us next to streams
of Living Water
that we might bear fruit that is sweet
and life-giving
once again.

Hear our cries for mercy
as we are tossed about by every wind
that blows,
hardly finding rest
before another sends us packing
once again.
Comfort us in our fatigue
and offer places of restoration
and healing
that we might find the strength
to comfort others like us
who are desperately seeking
hope.

Place your healing hand
upon your heartsick people,
O God,
that in our grief,
we may find peace,
and in our fear,
we may find courage
inspired by your Spirit.
Embolden us to move as one Body
toward a hurting world
that in your name alone,
we may offer restoration
and facilitate reconciliation
for all.

​In the Lord, we trust
and in that trust, we worship.
Let us lift our voices
in praise and thanksgiving
for God who faithfully guides God's people.

​There will not be any liturgical posts this week. On doctors' orders, I am on bed rest as a result of a positive Influenza A and a positive Strep Infection test.

I tell you this because I think it's important for all of us to realize our humanity. In spite of everything I try to do to make healthy living a priority, sometimes, things like this are unavoidable. When we find ourselves in vulnerable situations, it is good to know we can trust in the community around us to lift us in prayer. But first we have to humble ourselves enough to ask. So I'm asking, for healing of mind, body, and spirit. And ... as I told a friend today ... for some big girl pants, because I'm absolutely heartbroken to be missing a trip to Galveston this week where I was scheduled to present at the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators' Annual Event.

I'm also telling you because I practically PREACH self-care, and I practice it, by setting boundaries on my work days and listening to my body. it isn't enough to preach it and to practice it if one isn't prepared to do it when it really matters. Like now. So this is me making space for healing the way I encourage you to make space for healing in your own lives.

I will be back next week, refreshed and back on schedule. In the meantime, thank you for your faithful support of this ministry. May God bless you with health and wholeness and reminders to cherish both.

Grace and peace to you,
Julie