Psalm 46:1-11 – Zambian revision* God is our shelter and hiding place Always with us to help us. Regardless of hard times, God’s assurance is with us. Even if challenges overwhelm us, Or chaotic things are within us, There is a place of peace where God is in control. Because God is with us, we […]
Read full text
Psalm 121 – rising from Zambia* When I am in search of a solution, from place to place, It is only found in God The Creator of the Universe. God provides ultimate protection No matter the challenge. For God remains watchful in all times. God who watches over nature will always be with us. God […]
Read full text
Drowning. Your hand rescued me. Wounded. Your balm soothed me. Terrified. Your peace encompassed me. Lost. You found me. Your healing love weaves the tattered pieces of my life into a garment of joy. You gave me my life; how may I repay You but to live it – joyfully, gratefully; to share […]
Read full text
New voices from Zambia… In times of despair I look to Victoria Falls and the mighty Zambezi river, Where does my help come from? My help and comfort come from you, Creator of all things. You protect me from any form of accident. You are ever alert, watching over me. I will never be harmed […]
Read full text
‘Where can we find a powerful image of the Divine feminine within Jewish sources? One name for Her which has been with us for centuries is the Shekhinah, the ‘dweller within.’ — Rabbi Jill Hammer A Prayer to the Shekhinah […]
Read full text
Words for creation and peace fill September. Worship Words resources for September:
Read full text
The question that puzzles many is how you came to be And what method is used to create this world. Indeed your ways are mysterious. -taken from a longer prayer
Read full text
‘The realm of God is like a treasure hidden in a field….like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When one is found of great value, the merchant goes away, and sells all their belongings and buys it.’ –Matthew 13:44-46 Beauty Becoming The cutter eyes the stone A stalk of translucent green tourmaline Its essence shines […]
Read full text
Worship Words resources for special days and events in August:
Read full text
God, the keeper of the atoms and stars: You made us collaborators in creation, but we have pilfered the secrets of ordered existence and justified their immoral use in the name of “security” and “peace.” We could say then that we didn’t know the consequences. Now we do know, but we are complacent and silent. […]
Read full text
Based on Proverbs 13:23 God, In the fields of the poor Even when abundant fruits ripen, Injustice sweeps them away, And families hunger. Help us to share The fruits of your bounty So that all your family may benefit From your gracious gifts. Christian Concern for One World UK provides free bookmarks including […]
Read full text
Now we take our worship into our work. From a morning service written by the Iona Community. The Wild Goose Resource Group, a project of the Iona Community, exists to ‘enable and equip congregations and clergy in the shaping and creation of new forms of relevant, participative worship.’
Read full text
Worship Words resources for special days and events in July:
Read full text
Luke 9:51-62 – a drama to use in worship For Third Sunday after Pentecost Year C Translation by Rex Hunt, Australia (Read more about Rex Hunt at end of post.) Actors: Jesus, Narrator, James/John, Followers 1,2,3 Script ready-to-use — download here: Luke 9,51-62 drama 6 readers PDF Luke 9,51-62 drama 6 readers WORD Script Narrator: […]
Read full text
Oh how wonderful, how joyous it is when we dwell together in peace and unity. It is like a good meal, the satisfaction of a full belly. It is like hearty laughter, cleansing tears, knowing looks. It is like the freshness of the morning. It is like the comfort of nightfall. […]
Read full text
What words accompany our gifts? Words about our finances? Our talents? Our lives? Why we give? Words that call us to generosity and selflessness? Giver of all things, provide the words we need.
Read full text
Thank you for my eyes that help me see the world. Thank you for my ears that bring music to my soul. Thank you for my feet that keep me on the ground. Thank you for my hands that I can wave around. For fingers and toes, Mouth and nose, Chin and hair, And even […]
Read full text
Worship Words resources for special days and events in June:
Read full text
In the silence The clarity of your voice, Climbs high Upon the eagle’s wings. The chains of doubt That imprison my soul, Fall away beneath my feet. In the freedom and majesty Of the sentinel’s gaze, Faith is strengthened And hope returned To a weary heart, Upon the silent flight Of eagle’s wings. Chris posts […]
Read full text
This song, entitled ‘For everyone born,’ is copyrighted, but the words soar with truth and beauty so I’m sharing them via links. For the complete lyrics click here. Hear a rendition on Youtube by the First-Plymouth Church choir in Lincoln, Nebraska USA. For everyone born, a place at the table… For gay and for straight, a […]
Read full text
What words do we use to express our grief over those lost in war? How do we honour those who served their country by giving their lives? How do we speak of those killed by those we love? What words might we use to grant meaning to deaths due to violence and war which often, […]
Read full text
We gather, celebrating our life together With gratitude to those who have gone before. We gather, looking ahead to our life together With anticipation as we step into the future. We gather to worship and serve the living God the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Whoever you are and wherever […]
Read full text
What words express the mystery of the unknowable? the beliefs that defy the rules of nature? our faith? our doubt? What words enable the wordless to speak? the deaf to understand? Dare we speak truth into this mystery? exasperation? doubt? solid faith? Explore these Worship Words resources to find words for your worship experience on […]
Read full text
What words express the anguish, the grief, the horror? The surprise, the joy, the ecstacy? What words connect us today to eye witnesses, to friends, to family? What words explain the collision of earth and divine? What words express the Passion journey through Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and into Resurrection Day? Worship Words […]
Read full text
World Health Day is observed on 7 April. For the many children, women, and men whose lives have been saved through global cooperation, God, we praise You. For the many who needlessly suffer around the world because of indifference or malice, God, we beg Your blessing. For the progress in people’s health made possible by […]
Read full text
31 March 2019 22 March 2020 14 March 2021 27 March 2022 There are all types of mothers. There are people who are not biological mothers who provide nurture and love. What words do we use to describe mothers and those who mother? What words to describe our relationships with our mothers? Newest ‘Mothering […]
Read full text
tune: Regent Square by Henry Thomas Smart A wedding version of this hymn, adapted for Bronwyn’s daughter’s marriage and suitable for same-sex partners weddings can be found on Bronwyn’s website. Faith of metaphor and mystery Christ of paradox and pun Sure foundation, revelation Many facets of the One Sacred found in the familiar: phase of […]
Read full text
What words accompany us through the Lenten journey? How do we cry out? How do we express the cravings of our deepest being? What words comfort and challenge us in the wilderness of life? Ash Wednesday resources: Lent resources:
Read full text
O god whose face changes as we move and learn and change, whose image becomes less like ours, and more like that of the stranger we treat as a friend; O god who we create from the sum of all we know that is wonderful, generous, true and wise, may we see ourselves in the god-ness of others, and […]
Read full text
As the crimson flame of life Breaks slowly Above the horizon, The white, frosted meadows, With trees and hedgerows Of sculptured ice, Speak loudly Of your presence. Once more Upon this journey, As another day begins, Without effort Or intrusion, Through the peace And tranquillity Of your silent voice, The moment becomes eternal, And the […]
Read full text
Baptism – Christening – Naming – Dedication What words do we use to present our children to God? To affirm their welcome by God? To welcome them into the family of God? Hymns and songs to use at a baptism, christening, naming or dedication: Worship resources for baptisms, christenings, namings and dedications:
Read full text
Laughing Bird is a well-known lectionary-based liturgical website amongst church folk in Australia. Nathan Nettleton has made his resources available for many years, and his archives contain it all. While not all Nathan’s liturgical language is gender-inclusive, the imagery and wording bring the vividness and unique expression of Australia into the worship setting. *featured image: […]
Read full text
New Kilpatrick Parish Church posts original liturgical works written by church members. They provide a plethora of gems ‘freshly written for each Sunday.’ Click the button to access the archives and current week’s resources: New Kilpatrick Parish Church Bearsden G61 3RT
Read full text
From the Church of Scotland… Legislators are voting on Prime Minister Theresa May’s plans on Tuesday with less than three months to go before the UK is scheduled to leave the European Union. This evening’s vote in the House of Commons is a key moment in UK modern history and the consequences of the result […]
Read full text
We were wrong: We were wrong when we closed the door and you needed us most. The people who claimed to follow a man who never closed doors appeared to slam ours when you were despairing confused hurt hopeless broken hungry thirsty for more. We were wrong when we pretended we couldn’t see didn’t know […]
Read full text
Tune: Bishopgarth Click here for printable lyrics and musical score. The New Year brings another time To practise some reflection, To contemplate priorities; What past ways need rejection; The call of Jesus comes again To strengthen our connection To his inspiring way of life, And maybe change direction. The past is gone; cannot be changed; […]
Read full text
Eternal One, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever you had formed the earth and the world, From everlasting to everlasting You are God. — Psalm 90:1-2 Bright eyes take in all the world. Tiny hands wave and reach and hold. Feet kick and push. […]
Read full text
How easy it is to get caught up in the busy-ness, the doing, the decorating, the cooking, the sending, the buying, the eating of Christmas. Now don’t get me wrong, I love each of these parts of Christmas – setting up the Christmas tree and hanging decorations, the home-made Christmas cookies and egg nog, writing […]
Read full text
Mysterious paradoxes collide in this story. A story of a baby, Born into nothing, Yet born into everything. Born in a shed, But born in love, And is love And brings love. The paradox of a young woman, Not yet wedded, Blessed to bring life, Into this world that needs life Needs hope Requires love. […]
Read full text
The Christmas season is not always a happy time. — Mary Oliver (from Thirst, Beacon Press, Boston, 2006) The Advent and Christmas seasons can remind us of loved ones or relationships we have lost. The sights and smells of the weeks approaching Christmas, rather than bring joy and delight, can bring sadness and grief. A “Blue […]
Read full text