Adapted from Maya Angelou’s words My wish for you, and God’s wish for you is that you continue… Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humour to lighten the burden of your tender heart. May the blessing of the Ever Present […]
Read full textinclusive language in Christian worship
Psalm 80 Renewed — Duncan Wilson, UK
Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A Psalm praise — Psalm 80 Renewed To be read responsively or by a single voice Hear us, shepherd of Israel, leading the people who are your flock, exert your power and come now to our rescue. Bring us home, smile upon us with your love, and make us safe […]
Read full textCall of Compassion — John van de Laar, South Africa
If we’re honest, compassion does not come easy to us, God; We see others who struggle; those without homes, or food; those dying from curable diseases, simply because they can’t get access to the medicine they need; those who have lost loved ones through death or circumstance, and long for human companionship; those who are […]
Read full textPsalm 138 renewed – Ana Gobledale UK
Inspired by Psalm 138 & Duncan Wilson’s version Pentecost 12 (Proper 16) Year A Pentecost 3 Year B Epiphany 5 Year C We gather to praise God. We praise God with all our being. When we call for help, God answers. We rejoice that God grants us strength and courage. When we are surrounded by […]
Read full textWhy inclusive language? — Thomas G. Long, USA
Thomas Long writes: ‘Take the issue of inclusive language. Why should I be bothered with inclusive language in worship? Some people say that you should use inclusive language because otherwise, feelings will get hurt. That is true but not very persuasive. Others say that you must use inclusive language because kids in school are using […]
Read full textPsalm 68, Call to Worship — Ana Gobledale, UK
Inspired by Psalm 68 Come before God with joy! We come with jubilation! Come worship the protector of orphans and widows. We come to praise God with singing and exultation.
Read full textPsalm 40 Praise – Duncan Wilson, UK
Originally written as a responsive reading for the Second Sunday of Epiphany, Year A. Ready-to-download and print: Praise Psalm 40 — Duncan Wilson, UK WORD Praise Psalm 40 — Duncan Wilson, UK PDF We wait patiently for the Holy One who hears our cry for help. lifting us out of the quick sands […]
Read full textActs 28, Building bridges — Ana Gobledale, Zambia
Thoughts on partnerships and relationships Acts 28 To the ends of the earth Go and build bridges Go and connect Demolish dividing walls At least peer over them Search for openings Find points of intersection Along the many footpaths See not a single way Know your own path And cherish its rightness for you Pause […]
Read full textOur Mother Creator, Responsive Reading, Genesis 1 — Jann Aldridge-Clanton, USA
This litany was prepared for use by the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. Click here for a printable copy. Based on Genesis 1 (included in the Sunday lectionary for Epiphany Year B, Trinity Sunday Year A, and Easter Years A,B and C) Using the maternal reference for God, this reading was originally written for Mothering […]
Read full textPentecost Prayer — David Allen, Australia
Spirit of God, come among us on this Pentecost day. Make this day a re-birth-day for your people. Make us passionate in our faith, strong in our commitment, courageous beyond our imagining, and willing to love, and keep on loving, without reservation, we pray. Send your holy wind among us, not as a gentle breeze […]
Read full text