Worship Words for 16 August: Remember Those Treated as Dogs

dog pet cute — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

We know it can be difficult to find liturgical language that is up to the task — of online or physically distanced gatherings, of pandemic, of political turmoil, etc. Even our regular lives can have ups and downs that affect our creativity. Worship Words are here for you to use however you need them — as is, adapted, as inspiration. All of these are gifted to you by members of our RevGals community. Grace is real and it abounds.

Order for Confession and Absolution based on Matthew 15:10-11 by Julia Seymour

Jesus says, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.”

In gossiping, in slandering, in hateful speech, we have defiled ourselves.

Jesus says, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.”

In remaining silent, in saying “what about”, in making false comparisons, we have defiled ourselves.

Jesus says, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.”

In feeding anxious whispers and frustrated shouts, but ignoring the good news, we have defiled ourselves.

Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Before we were yet born, God’s grace was poured out in compassion for all. In Christ, your sins are forgiven. The love of God has never been far from you and may these words help you to perceive the close presence of the Holy Spirit in clear and tangible ways. Beloved child of God, you are renewed in Christ. Go and sin no more.

Thanks be to God.

Prayer, alluding to Genesis 45:1-15 and Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 by Kathy Swaar

We hear the story of Joseph and his brothers,
and it resonates deeply, Sacred Presence.
We’re right there with them:
Out of control. Isolated. Weeping.
Confused. Dismayed. Angry. Distressed.

Help us unpack all those big feelings,
and the baggage that comes with them.
To learn what’s within and behind all that emotion
so we can handle it appropriately.

Instead of reining it all in, clamping the lid down on the pot,
gift us with the courage to look inside,
to notice what’s boiling up, so we can accurately identify
the contents, and from whence they come.

And when we’ve tasted and seen,
called it by name, and
let it simmer long enough to understand it,
help us express it in genuine, healthy ways.

May our tears be cleansing and cathartic,
bringing wholeness and healing.

May our dismay and disappointment
point us to what really matters and why.

May our anger clarify and clear the air,
opening the way to reconciliation.

May our own distress lead us
toward compassion for others.

May we be honest, but not brutal;
open-hearted and vulnerable, but not doormats.

May the unending grace and mercy you pour out on us
be the hallmark of our interactions
with ourselves, and others.

Intercessions

For all God’s children throughout creation…