Thursday, January 7, 2021
The Rev. Rob Stevens
Finding Hope
Where does HOPE come from? It is an important question for me this morning after the events of yesterday day saw our country devolve into chaos. While congresspeople assured us that democracy would prevail…the larger question remains for me…where do we look for and find HOPE?
This early morning, I am more grateful than ever our community of faith. Last evening, we sent a statement by the Presiding Bishop to our parish. In it he reminded me where to look. He had strong comments, but the thrust of his statement was PRAYER. He reminded me that the human family is knit together (whether we like that or not) and he called us to PRAY. I confess that this early morning I do not find myself feeling overly pious or creative about my ability or desire to PRAY…thanks be to God that others have gone before me and we are given words when our own words fail. Bishop Curry began his prayer with the Suffrages from Morning Prayer and that is what I share with you…it is a call and response and reminds me that HOPE comes from our constant and continuing reliance on God. Now that might sound trite…but I beg to differ. Relying on God is hard work because God expects us to be a part of the solution as well. We are to be active participants and not simply observers. Please pray this with me…
Suffrages
V. O Lord, show thy mercy upon us;
R. And grant us thy salvation.
V. Endue thy ministers with righteousness;
R. And make thy chosen people joyful.
V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;
R. For only in thee can we live in safety.
V. Lord, keep this nation under thy care;
R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
V. Let thy way be known upon earth;
R. Thy saving health among all nations.
V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;
R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
V. Create in us clean hearts, O God;
R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.
Our work is before us. We are to work peace, to seek justice, to participate with God in creating environments where HOPE blooms. This morning this work feels heavy and hard. Bishop Curry reminded me to start this work with prayer. Praying reminds me that we are ALL the beloved children of God.
Let us Pray.
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.