“For humans see with the eyes and the LORD sees with the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b, translation from The David Story: a Translation with Commentary, by Robert Alter)
While my preaching will focus on the 1 Samuel text and its delightful folklore story of the stealth anointing of David by Samuel, for the writing of this week’s liturgy I could not stay away from the psalm. Psalm 23 with its richness and deep spiritual roots in faith tradition is a welcome reflection point for public prayer. In the dark places of our lives, are we able to see the comforting presence of God that surrounds us? The final verse with the almost startling image of the psalmist being pursued by goodness and mercy has become a favorite of mine in recent years. So often it seems we think that finding goodness and mercy is up to us, but the psalmist imagines that God will not let us go without tasting God’s goodness and mercy. That is a blessed pursuit!
The text, “Open Thou Mine Eyes” is the title of a beautiful piece by John Rutter which can be heard on Gloria by The Cambridge Singers. The music provided a marvelous background to my prayer practice. You can listen to The Paulist Scholars and Singers of the Chapel Royal perform it on YouTube here.
Psalm 23
Call to Worship
Come awake! The light of God is breaking through the darkness.
We bless the light, an unyielding sign of hope in times of trouble.
Do not fear! The love of Christ opens up a space of respite and peace for us.
We bless this place, a sanctuary of rest.
Delight in the gifts of the Spirit, who sets a table of welcome for all.
Surely goodness and mercy have found us here,
in the house of our Lord, the God of abounding love.
Opening Prayer
Gentle God, you shepherd us in times of trouble. When the way seems dark, you guide us safely through. When we cannot bear to slow down, you show us the wisdom of Sabbath rest. In your presence there is life, overflowing, abundant and free.
As we rest in your goodness, teach us, O Lord, to see with your heart. Open our eyes to the world beyond our neighborhoods, and to your beloved children both near to us and far, Open our hearts to the blessed fierceness of your creation, which sustains us and yet is more powerful than we can imagine.
Anoint us with your spirit of blessing, that we might be as Christ to one another, in our welcome, compassion and care. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Have mercy on us, O Shepherding God.
We have forsaken your ways,
leaving behind broken promises,
hurt relationships,
and disappointments.
(silence for reflection)
Bring our wandering spirits back, O God.
Forgive and renew us.
Restore our hearts with your abundant goodness and mercy,
so that we may find our true rest in you. Amen.
wonderings, writings & scribbles 