Giving up too much for Lent


I wrote a blog this morning responding to the tragedy in Japan and the entire Pacific Rim. It was poorly written and emotional. I am not saying that is bad. Tragedy occurring during Lent has become a bit of a hot-button issue for me. So while I affirm my frustrations and the difficulty of understanding why tragedies seem to go hand-in-hand with this particular liturgical season in my life, I don’t really feel like ranting against God or bemoaning my state of existence does anyone any good.
And so I deleted it. Instead, today let us take moments to lift prayer to whomever we pray for the loss felt around our world today and for the recovery of those who have lost everything.


creator god
who hears our frustrations, feels our pain,
understands our worries, knows our fears
please hold our hands in yours
as we sit and stand and crouch and fall
in disbelief.

god, in your mercy, hear our prayers

find us in the deep places
of our compounding despair
where we cannot help but focus
on the darkness and pain
facing our sisters and brothers

god, in your mercy, hear our prayers

let your healing spirit
hover over the waters once more
and give hope in hopelessness
to hurting creationkind

god, in your mercy, hear our prayers

in your goodness
give us the strength to share with
those who have none left

god, in your mercy, hear our prayers

show us how to minister
through our shock and disbelief

god, in your mercy, hear our prayers

amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finding God in the Rhythm

I was originally drawn back to church six years ago by the liturgical practices of a little, liberal Baptist church in Nashville, TN. My academic studies in theology had introduced me to types of liturgy that had been foreign in the churches of my childhood, but it wasn't until Glendale Baptist that I actually encountered them. While the equality and grace that were at the center of this caring community certainly were a major factor in my decision to join up with them, it was through the rhythm of the liturgies that I found God again. I continued to connect with progressive Baptist congregations like this over the following years, exchanging the contemporary for the ancient and disorganization for structure.  I write all this to say that I am no stranger to deep and meaningful liturgy. And while my love for the Baptist churches in my life will never wane, I have enjoyed being an occasional Episcopalian over the last few months. Yes, the smells and bells of high ma
Read more

The gospel according to Gaga

Let me be clear from the outset of this post: I thoroughly enjoy Lady Gaga’s music. I love that she advocates for the rights of LGBT people. I love that she is an entertainer, and that her music tells a story…even if that story is often just plain weird. I would give just about anything to meet her and/or attend one of her concerts. I find her music both provocative and addicting. However, Gaga is not a religious scholar.
Read more

Finding solace amidst messages of hate

I have been dealing with a broken heart this evening. As I continue to encounter more and more hateful speech spewing from pulpits around the country, I've been left wondering where the voices in opposition are. I know many pastors and faith leaders who disagree with the teachings of Ron Baity, Charles Worley, Sean Harris, and many others. But where are their voices? Why can't I find them anywhere in the news. I understand how we sensationalize the macabre, but the LGBT community needs to hear the voices of those who affirm them from pulpits as well.
Read more