God of Laughter

You know all the kinds of laughs there are
the joyous bubble of a child
safe and warm

The nervous laughter
of denial

The sobbing laughter
of those overcome
by grief

The laughter of friend
a quiet comforting chuckle
that holds no judgement

God you know the awkward laughter
of a teenager,
uncertain

The laughter of those who laugh
when they are overwhelmed with emotions
including grief

You know the laughter
at one’s one mistakes
beautiful and generous

God you know the whys of laughter
the difference between Sarah’s laughter and Abraham’s

How beautiful, in a world
where women’s laughter is so often punished
and men’s is rewarded
somehow, it’s different

Sarah is the one
who believes, in her disbelief
who has good humor threading through
her journey, her marriage, her laughter–
And although Abraham is known for his faith
I like to believe that Sarah is known for her humor

Thank you God
for laughter
all of its meanings
and for the grace
of Sarah–
Amen.

Feel free to use/share/adapt with credit to Pastor Katy Stenta “Katyandtheword.com”

Sept 17th Isaac Born to Sarah

Finding God…. of possibilities

Isaac Born to Sarah
Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7
Mark 10:27

Topical Prayer: God of Laughter

Call to Worship
God of Laughter, inspire us
Walk with us on our journey
God of hospitality, remind us that you are with us
Gather us close to you today God.

Call to Confession: Remember that God loves us exactly as we are, come let us confess ourselves to God

Prayer of Confession: God we confess that we do not believe that with you all things are possible. Instead we remember all the things that stand in our way. We think of ourselves as impossible: too young, too old, too weird, too poor, too ungifted. We would laugh at the impossibility, but we are afraid to do even that. Forgive us, teach us that it is ok to feel helpless, it is ok to understand that things are impossible. Help us to find the good humor of Sarah, the hospitality of Abraham and the Graciousness of God we pray. (Silent Prayer) Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Jesus loves us and walks with us, he forgive us always. Friends proclaim the good news to one another: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication: God we are so thankful of how Sarah found your grace, with laughter. May we too be blessed with that grace as we walk into the world we pray. Amen.

Topical Prayer: God of Laughter

Notes: Finding God through laughter: Sarah laughs at God and as a woman (for whom no doubt it would be very dangerous to laugh at those in power/a man) finds not punishment but grace. How beautiful our God is one who can be laughed with/at.

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