Sunday, November 19, 2023

With joyful hearts, we sing your praises. You, Loving God, are our King. You created us to be in union with you. Thank you for leading us, providing for all our needs, and protecting us. Thank you, we can worship you in one accord.

We enter your sacred prayer space full of questions and concerns. You invite us into your mystery. You light a candle for us–a reminder of your presence. We see the light dancing with darkness; your spirit is in the darkness as it is in the light. We burn our incense and tobacco in ceremonies of worship. Join us in our ceremony, O LORD. We create room for you to draw close to us.

Your guidance brings wisdom and peace. We are challenged on all sides to follow folly. We feel tempted to defend ourselves and others, to lash out in anger. We feel tempted to force our assumptions and agendas. But with you, in your sacred prayer space, you repair our hurtful attitudes. You protect us from these temptations and provide a path of peace.

Loving God, some of us feel far away from you, and even abandoned you. Hear our cry and our longing for you. We look for your faithfulness, hope, and light. We remember your goodness and the community of believers you have given us to support and encourage us. Joining in with others to worship you, lifts the heaviness of our hearts.

Praise to you, Loving Yahweh, your ways are not our ways. Thank you for answering our heart’s desire; even when we do not know what we are desiring. Thank you for taking the initiative to reveal yourself to us. May we look to you.