Pentecost Year A
Proper 25 - Ordinary Time 30- Pentecost +23
Based upon Matthew 22:34-40. Copyright Katherine Hawker, 2002.
Once upon a time
a wise man offered a challenge;
"What is the greatest commandment?"
The calendars on our desks share a vision of greatness;
bills to pay, phone calls to return, appointments to keep.
Love the Lord your God.
The cameras of our memories share what commands us;
children to bathe and partners to help
parents calling and grandchildren hopeful.
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
Still the Spirit lures us to new priorities;
open spaces to experience wonder,
strangers becoming friends,
devotion to that which transcends.
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Prayer of Confession
Based upon the series of readings from Exodus. Copyright Katherine Hawker, 1999.
The Pharaoh decrees death to the foreigner.
The power of fear and hate rage surround us.
In the face of evil
Forgive us our complacency.
The burning bush flickers beside us.
The presence of God invites us.
In the presence of the holy
Forgive us our lack of notice.
The Red Sea waters stand at attention.
The threshold of grace is breath-taking.
In the company of grace
Forgive us our reticence to embrace.
Invitation to Pardon
Based upon the series of readings from Exodus. Copyright Katherine Hawker, 1999.
Hungry bellies and grumbling souls
are not the final word.
Manna and quail and water
fill the bellies and calm the souls.
The gifts of God reign
o’er the people of God.
Come for all things are ready.