|
|
| God of peace and justice, enable us to hear your Word not only in scripture, but also in the voices of your people as they cry out for food, for freedom from oppression, for a lasting justice and peace. Free us from fear and hatred, from suspicion and prejudice, that we may come to see all persons as your children. We thank you for the blessings of our lives. We ask that you show us ways to begin sharing these generous gifts with others who are less fortunate, but no less deserving of your shalom. |
Marshfield United Methodist Church shares its worship space with Congregation Shirat Hayam :
| Just like the lump of clay held in the sculptor's hands: at will, the sculptor stretches it, at will, the sculptor makes it small. And so are we in your hands, and so let love preserve; look to your covenant, and do not let your anger serve. Just like the piece of stone held in the mason's hands: at will, the mason picks it up, at will, the mason cuts. And so are we in your hands, you give life and take it away; look to your covenant, and do not let your anger sway. Just like the axe's blade held in the blacksmith's hands: at will, it is plunged into the fire, at will, it is taken out. And so are we in your hands; you feed the needy and the poor, look to your covenant, and let your anger rule no more. Just like the wheel of the ship held in the pilot's hands: at will, the pilot turns it in, at will, the pilot turns it out. And so are we in your hands, O, God who blesses and forgives; look to your covenant, and in your mercy let us live. Just like the glass held in the glassmaker's hands: at will, it is given form, at will, it is melted down. And so are we in your hands; you make wrongdoing pass away, look to your covenant, and don't let anger have its way. Just like the curtain's cloth held in the embroiderer's hands: at will, it is made to lie flat, at will, it is gathered up. And so are we in your hands, O, God of justice and of zeal; look to your covenant, and let your anger be concealed. Just like the silver held in the smelter's hands: at will, it is blended with a metal, at will, it is purified. And so are we in your hands, you who give healing to all ills; look to your covenant, and let not anger shape your will. |
| Note: The Marshfield United Methodist Church expressions as used here have generally been taken from our Sunday bulletins or from other Methodist literature. The Congregation Shirat Hayam expressions have been taken from a Reconstructionist prayer book. Except that they both are expressions from our shared worship space, there is no relationship between the pair of expressions shown on this page, as each is generated randomly and independently each time the page is refreshed. |