CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP: Exploring Our Lives in God 8:45 a.m. ~~ June 25, 2017 “My life will not bear fruit unless I learn the art of lying fallow, the art of ‘wasting’ time creatively.” (Anthony de Mello, S.J.)
God’s Invitation to Us
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God . . .
Responding to God’s Invitation
“Calm Me, O Lord”
Calm me, O Lord, as you stilled the storm. Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm. Let all tumult within me cease, Enfold me, Lord, in your peace.
A Silent Prayer for Opening to God (from Psalm 62) Yes, wait quietly my soul For you only do I hope in silence Only you are my rock, my deliverance My haven: I shall not be moved You are my completion, my brightness You are my strength, my protection Let us trust you always Pouring out our hearts to you Our refuge, our solace
Finding Our Rest
"My soul is at rest"
My soul is at rest in God alone my salvation comes from God.
Old Testament Lesson
Deuteronomy 5:12 – 15
Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do. Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the LORD your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day.
Praying with Our Drivenness Response:
”Enough”
All of you is more than enough for – all of me for every thirst and – every need You satisfy me with your love and all I have in you is more than enough.
Hearing the Invitations of Jesus Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mk. 1:35)
Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, Jesus said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mk. 6:31) Jesus said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Mt. 11:28 – 30)
Resting with Christ
And I will call upon Your name and keep my eyes above the waves. When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace, for I am Yours and You are mine.
“Oceans” (chorus)
Sabbath Rhythms Resting with Christ
“Oceans” (chorus)
A Moment for Sabbath Rest (You may use a word that has stirred you this morning as a still-point while sitting quietly with God for 3 minutes.)
Acknowledging Our Need
”Hungry”
Hungry I come to You, for I know you satisfy. I am empty, but I know Your love does not run dry. So I wait for You, so I wait for You I’m falling on my knees, offering all of me Jesus, You’re all this heart is living for Broken I run to You, for Your arms are open wide I am weary, but I know Your touch restores my life. So I wait for You, so I wait for You . . .
A Silent Table Blessing Receiving Holy Communion: Sharing in the Presence of Christ Setting Our Intention A Whispered Benediction
from Psalm 19:14 (Fingerprints on Every Moment)
My Beloved, I ask You for the grace to cultivate a still heart . . . a deep peace . . . an attentiveness to your still, small voice . . . a quiet strength . . . that rests at my core and ties my being to You without fail. And then the grace, my Strength, to speak the truth and live the mercy that captures my own heart. In love and praise I offer my prayer, Amen.
*Please register your attendance on the sign-in sheets in the foyer. Place offerings and prayer requests in the basket at the rear of the Chapel. **Wellsprings of Prayer summer class today at 10:00 a.m. in the Anchor House. Wick Stuckey guides the class in a prayer of awareness. ***An Altar in the World Summer Book Series continues Wed., June 28 in the Anchor House. Join us at 6:30 p.m. for the discussion.
