The following is taken from an order of service for First Baptist Church of Ithaca from July 7. I like the call to worship – its realism, biblical echoes and the prayer that says most of what most of us want to say most of the time.
And Moses said, "I am slow of speech and slow of tongue…"
All: But God sent him anyway
Jeremiah said "I am just a boy…"
All: But God spoke through him anyway
mary was perplexed by the angel's visit
All: But God still invited her to give birth to Jesus
God invites us to understand that we have gifts and we are needed;
whether old or young; tired or energetic; quick or slow;
whoever we are, however we are.
All: We hear your call O God. We have come.
PRAYER
Holy One we come to you, for we need healing.
We come to you for we need teaching.
We come to you for we need leading.
As we gather; as we sing; as we pray; as we listen; as we speak.
May we open ourselves to your balm, your blessing, your word,
Amen
The painting is a detail from Michaelangelo's Sistine Ceiling.
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