A LITURGY in a TIME OF STORM - AN INVITATION to DIGITAL WORSHIP
We want to encourage everyone in the Houston area to follow the advisory of city leaders to shelter in place during Hurricane Harvey and the storms that continue. Therefore, we will not gather for DINNER CHURCH this Sunday, but we can still worship wherever we are.
We will keep streets clear for emergency responders and continue to keep an eye on our neighbors so that we are ready to help those in need. God is with us where we are and we can still set aside time to experience God's Word and join our hearts in prayer.
Below is a liturgy for worship you can use with family, friends, and neighbors near you. You can worship together at any time, or join us in Facebook Live broadcast at 6PM Sunday evening, August 27th.
A LITURGY in a TIME OF STORMS
GATHER
If you have a candle, bring it front of you and light it to set apart this time and space for worship.
You are the light of the world, a city on a hill, a candle in the dark. We gather as we are and where we are to worship you, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. +
LITANY
O Lord, when the waters rage and foam, Still the storms and grant us your peace.
When the gift of creation becomes burden, Still the storms and grant us your peace.
When our fears threaten to overtake us, Still the storms and grant us your peace.
Speak your word to the wind and to the sea, Fill us with faith.
Show us your care in the service of others, Fill us with compassion.
Make the joy of your peace overflow in our lives, Fill us with hope.
PSALM 46
Read the Psalm aloud, even if you’re by yourself. If you’re with a group, choose a leader to read the odd verses, and the rest of the group can respond with the even verses.
God’s Defense of His City and People
To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 ‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah
GOSPEL
Have one person read the text aloud.
Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Stills a Storm
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ 36And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ 39He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’41And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’
SILENCE
In this moment, we leave space for God’s spirit to speak and move in us.
PRAYER
Together, we pray for our world, the church, and all those in need…
Gracious God, you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey reveal your presence to those across Texas and along the coast so that all may know your healing, hope, and love. As one community on earth bound together by your grace, inspire us to pray, serve, and help all those who suffer. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
God of earth and air, water and fire, height and depth, we pray for those who work in danger, who rush in to bring hope and help and comfort when others flee to safety, whose mission is to seek and save, serve and protect, and whose presence embodies the protection of the Good Shepherd. Give them caution and concern for one another, so that in safety they may do what must be done, under your watchful eye. Support them in their courage and dedication that they may continue to save lives, Ease pain, and mend the torn fabric of lives and social order. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
God with us, make us ready to put our prayer into action and to embody your care to one another. In days, weeks, and months to come, awaken us to the needs of our neighbor near and far and unite us to be a sign of your hope. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear how we will be a sign of Your healing. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
God of all creation, when our news feed seems to only speak of our own immediate worry, we remember those in need of prayer beyond us – the sick, the lonely, the heartbroken, the hungry, and those living in fear. We pray especially for those whose names we speak aloud or hold in our hearts now….
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
We entrust all these prayers to you, those spoken aloud and held in the silence of our hearts. We trust in your promise to hear us, to intercede for us even when we don’t know what to say, and to abide with us no matter what. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our salvation and hope. Amen.
BLESSING + SENDING
O Lord, now let your servants depart in peace,
according to your gracious word.
Our eyes have seen the glory of salvation
prepared for all the people of the world.
Now may the Lord bless you and keep you
and make his face to shine upon you;
and may God lift his countenance upon you
and give you blessed peace for now and evermore. Amen. +
If you lit a candle, blow it out. If you are gathered with others, share a sign of peace between each other.
Liturgy adapted from the © Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Permission is granted to reproduce this material for local, non-sale use only