Sunday, March 21, 2021

CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 130

MUSIC
Curated by Clint Siebert
Phil Wickham - Battle Belongs
All Sons & Daughters - Great Are You Lord
Hillsong Worship - Fresh Wind
Leeland - Way Maker

ANCIENT PRAYER
Written by Yelena Pakhomova with Prayer from Teresa of Avila, 1515-1582

On this fifth Sunday of Lent, as we continue our journey to Easter in 2021, we invite you to pray with the words of Teresa of Avila, a 16th-century mystic and contemplative theologian.

It is not a Lenten prayer per se, but Teresa uses a metaphor of a path and the language of walking with Jesus towards Divine joy that fit the liturgical season in which we find ourselves.

She also names some of the tensions of the journey, like trusting God to set the direction even before we know all the details. And how a narrow path can be the safest place.

So as you let this ancient prayer engage your imagination, I invite you to listen to a word or a phrase that connects with you today, or maybe reminds you that you’re not alone on the path you are walking right now.

Let us pray:

O my Lord, how clear it is that you are almighty!
There is no need to understand all the reasons for your commands.
So long as we love and follow you,
we can be certain that you will direct us on to the right path.
And as we tread that path,
we will know that it is your power and love that has put us there.
It is said that the path which leads to you is narrow and rough,
with steep cliffs on either side plunging down into dark valleys.
Yet the path on which you have put me is a royal road, broad and smooth.
It is safe for anyone who chooses to take it.
And Jesus holds the hand of all who walk on it.
If we become tired or discouraged,
we need only look up
to see your smiling face in the distance, God,
inviting us to share your joy.
Amen.