Week 5: Imagine
Scripture: Isaiah 43:15, 18-21 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honour me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. Prayer: Refine us in Your Fire by Jenny Gregory Let us pray for the transformation of ourselves, and of God’s world. Lord, refine us in your fire. That, as you led your son through death, you might roll back the stone of little faith. Lord, refine us in your fire. That we may see anew the earth that is ours, and dream anew of an earth that is yours. Lord, refine us in your fire. That, as you walked in your garden in the evening, our steps may be light on its paths. Lord, refine us in your fire. That, as you invited all to your table, earth’s stores may be open to all people. Lord, refine us in your fire. That wolf and hare, lion and lamb, people in conflict, may lie down together. Lord, refine us in your fire. That, as no pain of the earth is denied you, so nothing is denied your resurrection life. Lord, refine us in your fire. That, as your hands brought us to birth, ours may be midwives of your new creation. Lord, refine us in your fire. That, as you looked on your work and called it good, you may look upon ours, and call it blessed. Lord, refine us in your fire. Reading: Worship and Imagination Peter Sawtell Spiritual Practice: Imagine – in small ways, in wild ways – changes in your life, changes in our society, which would create a greener, more sustainable world. Hold these imaginings in prayer before the God who transforms and empowers us, and in whom all things are possible. |