Prayers for Worship
Proper 21
by Ron Gordon

Mark 9: 38-50

Collect:
 

Most loving and generous God, we see your true character mirrored in Jesus, 
your servant Son. He was glad when men and women were liberated from forces of oppression, 
by himself, his disciples or by others. May all your people have such generosity of spirit 
and rejoice in all triumphs of your grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer:
 

Eternal God, creator of all, and the giver of wisdom and insight, skill and learning: 
you speak with us through the words of scripture, through the deeds of your creativity, 
and through the gift of Immanuel to our human race. We have come to know you 
as the Holy One who demands justice and mercy, and who offers love and acceptance.  
Blessed are you forever.

Lord Jesus Christ, where people, even amongst your disciples, display a form of exclusivism, 
you are open to the work of others. We confess that we tend to follow the disciples 
rather than our Lord in criticizing and excluding others.  Lord, have mercy.

Lord, at times your ‘little ones’ have been overlooked by arrogance or ignorance of churches 
or persons. We have neglected our obligations of hospitality. 
In our failure to recognize their needs we have failed to serve you.  Christ, have mercy.

Blessed Spirit, you help us to live close to Jesus and become his people in the world. 
You help us to share with others in his company and so become his body at work in the world. 
Where we insist on operating on our own, and ignoring your work in us and with us, Lord, have mercy.

Holy and glorious is the One who forgives us and gives us new opportunities to share 
in the way of Jesus and to live as his people in the world. Blessed is God forever. Amen.

© 2009 Ron Gordon (used with permission)

there is a time
by Jenn Gordon
 
there is a time
when the extraneous parts
become too heavy to carry
dragging us deep
beneath the billowing waves
of too many stormy seas

all the added extras
make millstones
and we sink under the weight
of our own importance
and reaching out
only drags others under
in our struggle to survive

there is a time
when release
is more important
than acquisition
when we understand that
in returning to our salty selves
stripped of the costume
of names and things
we become who we are

and in this time
there is communion life
with the giver who seasons us
and the surprising gathered
who pass the salt

(Comments to Jenn at jennieg@labyrinth.net.au.)