Wednesday, July 19, 2023

We gather at your Beautiful Gate, a faith-marker, to remember your merciful ways throughout the generations. We enter your sacred prayer space to seek your guidance. We long to be among your chosen people, those you have gathered and will continue to gather to your Holy Mountain.

Hallelujah, LORD, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We gather on the shore, in parks and places of worship, and at city halls; we all seek your healing, hope, and compassion. We find you here, in these sacred spaces. We receive food, shelter, and peace. But we also find scorn and judgement from those who think we should just get better and rise above our conditions.

Do not forsake us, LORD. You have always been with us, in times of trial and in times of peace. Tried as we are, today we believe. Speak, so we can hear you; remain in your hope and help; and sojourn in a good way.

In this sacred time with you, with grateful hearts, we remember how you are with us, care for us, and save us. We worship you and only you. We sing together, “Here I raise my Ebenezer. Here by Thy great help I’ve come. And I hope by Thy good pleasure.” (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” Robert Robinson, 1758).

Our God, who hears us, thank you for answering our prayers. Your forgiveness covers us and brings us into a relationship with you. We, your blessed children, are filled with joy and wonder as we see and experience your goodness all around us. Thank you for bringing us close to you.

Be our strong rock, a castle to keep us safe, for you are our crag and stronghold. Breathe new life into the limbs of our family trees, O LORD. Bless the new blossoms that grow here, and the new fruit that is to come. Count us among your blessed children. Restore our families for your sake. We will remember your blessings, and praise your name throughout the generations.