Litanies & Prayers

Beloved, we give thanks:
For those who plow and plant,
those who harvest
and those who harbor
the promise of the day when all shall eat and be satisfied.

We give thanks:
For the day when all go out in joy
and are led back in peace,
the hills bursting in song, the trees in applause.

On that day no backs
shall bend in stress,
no arms ache or hands callous,
nor shirts drench in sweat,
with the bounty bound for the tables
of those whose eyes already swell out in fatness.

Background: When the Nazi party took power in Germany in 1933, they began an organized campaign to exterminate the Jewish race. By the end of World War II, 6 million Jews lay dead. Never has there been a more systematic, intentional attempt at genocide. In addition, the Nazis executed at least another 5 million others considered “undesirable,” including dissidents, prisoners of war, Romani (Gypsies), the disabled, and homosexuals.

Dear God: We confess that it is beyond our capacity to imagine the magnitude and meaning of the holocaust of the Jews.

Hunted. Hounded. Herded.

Blessed be the God of earth’s garden-green home. Great is your mercy; and tender, your might.

You raise up a Ransom to barter our fate from death’s sure dominion and every dark fright.

From slavery’s chains you fashion a scepter to heal and reveal Heaven’s righteous intent.

It was a time of great turmoil in the land. The Spirit of God bypassed all the famous leaders and came to me with a dream.

And I saw the Ruler of All Creation sitting on a throne, high and lofty, with majesty filling the sky as far as the eye could see.

Angels filled the air, shouting, “Holy, holy, holy! Just and Righteous and Merciful is God’s name!”

We gather in wonder at the times in which we live.

As with the disciples of old, the seasons of crucifixion seem endless.

Yet life beyond what was imagined appears and beckons us forward.

In the beginning the Verdant One saw everything that was made, and behold, it was lavish and delightful. (Genesis 1:31)

The earth is satisfied with the fruit of God’s greening hand. (Psalm 104:13)

Let the heavens be glad and the earth applaud. Let the sea roar, and the field exult, and all trees of the forest rejoice. (Psalm 96:11-12)

May the Blessed One grant you the desire of your heart and hoist your hands in praise.

May you be like a tree planted by the water, whose roots know neither thirst nor famine,

Whose leaves blossom fearless against the threat of heat, whose fruit ripen with succulent joy.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

It is to You, beloved Shepherd, that I entrust my every need.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.

“I’m really tired of your smells and bells
           and frills and thrills.”
From the hollow of the Most High thunders the
complaint of Heaven against every piety peddler.

“Tired of your sanctimonious pomp and long-winded
     prayers; tired of your self-serving petitions
           for a downtown parking space.”

Good God a’Mighty, when we say our hail marys,
     our thank-you-jesuses and our god-bless-americas—
           why don’t you tip your hat and offer a prize?!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all
     that is within me, bless God’s Holy Name.
Bless your Harbored Hope,
oh harrowed heart, and forget not
     the Anchor of your mooring.

The One who formed you has not forsaken;
     your failures no longer define.
As far as the east lies from the west,
     farther still shall our sins be removed.

The bridge of grace,
     unhinged by rage,
           will be restored.