Invocations and Collects
Invocation
Based upon Hebrews 11. Copyright Katherine Hawker.
Now faith is
the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen.
We come convinced of many things
but trusting very few.
Holy God of limitless surprises,
meet us here
in this place
as we touch that which we can not see
that which we have not dared to hope.
Invocation
Copyright Katherine Hawker, 1998.
We bring swords
that you turn into plowshares.
We bring expectations of peace
and you meet us with swords.
God
help us.
Litany
Copyright Katherine Hawker.
Hammers can build up... and tear down.
May our work foster the growth of your kindom, O God.
Words can heal… and wound.
May our speech proclaim your love, O God.
Rituals can comfort… and bore.
May our worship reflect your glory, O God.
Invocation
Based upon Luke 16. Copyright Katherine Hawker, 1998.
Masters,
two and more,
competing for our money
clamoring for our time
creating chaos in our lives.
Master,
one God,
quiet us and draw us near.
Invocation (paraphrase of Habakkuk 2:1-4)
Copyright Katherine Hawker, 1998.
Write the vision,
make it plain
so that it may be read.
For there is still a vision
it speaks of the day of the Lord
and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry,
Wait;
For surely it will come.
Invocation
Based on Mark 9:49-50. Copyright Katherine Hawker, 1997.
God of the salt
God of the fire
God of anger
God of laughter
God of parables and riddles
God of story and proclamation
God of comfort
God of affliction
God of the salt
God of the fire
come now
be now
here now.
Amen.
Collect
Copyright Katherine Hawker.
We feel like mustard seeds, tiny and insignificant. Like unplanted seeds, we forget that it is our calling to be planted in the warmth of God’s earth. May the Great Spirit carry our seeds to fertile ground where the roots of our faith may grow deeply and the branches of our love be broad.
Collect
Copyright Katherine Hawker.
With different gifts and varied dreams, we come to worship.
We have lost our trust, misplaced our faith, and forgotten our vision.
Yet God welcomes us in this place and enables us to welcome one another.
May we feel the love of God as we worship together. Amen.