TURNING ROUTINE INTO LIBERATION
Far too often we move through the liturgy of a worship service waiting for an anthem, a hymn or the sermon to address our needs for spiritual nourishment. We forget that the service of worship is structured to incorporate our true self into the nurturing relationship with the God who created us in the Divine image.
When we seek to participate in anti-racism ministry, we need to revitalize our participation in the parts of worship that can give us courage and vision.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Both the PRELUDE and the CALL TO WORSHIP are an invitation to leave daily routine behind and spend some time renewing our relationship with God who created us and loves us into a future that reflects God’s intention for all of creation. Jesus often refers to this as the Kingdom of God. Frequently we pray the Lord’s Prayer and petition God that “God’s Kingdom Come and God’s WILL BE DONE ON EARTH as it is in Heaven.” For a brief period of time, we are to focus our attention and our whole being on participation in God’s answer to that prayer. While it is not the only focus, it would be good if the pastor occasionally structured the Call to Worship to draw attention to the anti-racism aspect of our spiritual journey. What does it mean for us to focus on God’s will with respect to the consequences of racism in God’s beloved world?
PRAYERS OF PRAISE
Our Prayers of Praise offer us to step beyond the finite and often damaged reality of our world. Here we have the opportunity to affirm the rich diversity of our world that is a mirror reflecting God’s infinite love. The last five Psalms are a rich resource to stimulate our imagination. It speaks of snow, grass, hills, fruit trees, monsters, birds, stars, trumpets, and clanging symbols. It also speaks of humans who are broken hearted, prisoners, the stranger, the orphan, and all who are bowed down. As we are invited to let a spark of eternity into our lives, we can let the diversity of God’s creation reflect God’s beauty. Our very acts of praise are a challenge to the division, prejudice, and systemic oppression that distorts God’s image in creation.
SAMPLE CALL TO WORSHIP
Here is my attempt to offer you a sample
CALL TO WORSHIP
Adapted from Psalm 140-142
Leader: We call upon you, O Lord; . . . Let our prayers be counted as incense before you. (141:1-2)
People: Do not turn our hearts to any evil that separates us from the beauty of your diverse humanity.
Leader: Bring us out of the prison of racism so that we may give thanks to your name. (142:7)
People: Let us join you in maintaining the cause of the needy and executing justice for the poor and those divided by race. (140:12)
Another AMEN and thanks for including the Prelude.