Tag: wonder

#Advent Day 11, God of Wonder

@LauraKConnell “The traumatized brain is not open to exploration and wonder. It is imprisoned by black and white thinking, the need for certainty, and a desire to get things over with. 

Good God,
who whispers comfort
in the midst of the chaos–

Holy Spirit,
who inspires art
not for any capitalistic gain
but because humans need
to co-create with God

Jesus,
Sweet, baby Jesus
who came in the form
of a baby

I am reminded of all the ways
you invite us to wonder

You are the God
who compares us to the stars

You are the Holy Spirit
who is the wild goose,
heavenly dove
squawking pigeon

You are the Savior
who almost always
answered a question
with a question

And told stories
mysterious
stories
to unfold in our heart
differently
according to our experiences

You are the God of openings
trying to clear the way
to tell us that it is ok
to heal our traumas first

to let go of our black and white
and the permission to sit
wait
and linger
without fear

to look into the eyes of a baby
Savior

and wonder…

Jesus comes to save us
from our trauma
so we can wonder
once again–
this is why prescribed beliefs
is against my religion

Thank sweet
wonder-full
baby Jesus
Amen

Feel free to use/share/adapt with credit to Pastor Katy Stenta, Trauma quote from Laura K.Connell

God Calls Isaiah Prayers

Isaiah 6:1-8
Luke 5:8-10 Opt Psalm 138

Call to Worship (Psalm 138:1-3)

I give thanks to you O Lord 

with my whole heart, I praise you

I bow down towards your holy temple

Give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and faithfulness

On the day I called, you answered me, 

You have increased the strength of my soul; Come let us worship God

Call to Worship:

God only you are holy

When you instill our hearts with fear and wonder, you remind us of your power

Sweep our breaths away, as we worship you today.

Come let us worship God

Invitation to Confession: As you are called to confession, it is because the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. God’s mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.

Prayer of Confession: Dear God, we confess that we often do not understand your call. Too often we obsess about holiness, and how to be holy with you instead of letting ourselves wonder. We confess that we forget that there is work be done, and have trouble hearing your Call. Forgive us, please, and teach us to be a resurrection people we pray. Amen. 

Prayer of Confession: Lord, we become so frustrated when humans don’t do what we want them to do. We think of Isaiah, who surely had a troubled heart when he went to bed. Yet he awoke to visions of holiness and glory. Help us to be able to see some of your

Assurance of Pardon: God is forever faithful, God who promises Emmanuel God with us, Jesus is coming! God will not turn away from us, but give us forgiveness. Know in your hearts the Good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Prayer of Dedication: Holy, Holy, Holy God, Let us go forth saying that All the Works shall praise thy name from earth and sky and sea! You are merciful and mighty! Let us go forth proclaiming the God of three persons, the blessed Trinity, we pray. Amen.

Hymns: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Eagle’s Wings, Here I am Lord, Amazing Grace,