Take my life and let it be

A litany for worship on New Year's Day

by Ken Sehested

Take my life and let it be / consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
    In all seasons, in every shape and condition of our lives,
      transform our minds and hearts in ways that magnify the rule of Mercy:

In ways that conform to Your extravagant and redemptive purposes;
    in our hopes and promises, in our joys and our sorrows,
      whether rising or resting, at home or away,
            at work and at play, with those near and dear but also with strangers,
              in our longing and our learning to love enemies.

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Epiphany’s promise

A litany for worship, on the occasion of a new (Gregorian calendar) year

by Ken Sehested

Join with me—if you dare—in making these resolutions for the coming year:

In all seasons and conditions, transform lives to magnify the rule of Mercy,

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Sister Anna

A litany for worship inspired by the Prophetess Anna

Sister Anna. Last-named prophet in Holy Writ, more
     likely listed among household property and livestock.

When did your Temple-dwelling vocation begin?
     What sustained your twenty-four-seven vigil
           for all those years?

            Anna, school us in the habits
           of vigilant perseverance.

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Anointed

A litany for worship inspired by Isaiah 61:1-2 & Luke 4:18

by Ken Sehested

Sisters and brothers, lend your ears to this teaching, for it is true and lasting. Do not say with your lips, “The Spirit of the Lord! The Spirit of the Lord!” when your hearts are shackled in fear, enslaved to security.

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed.

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Speak peace to the hungered of heart

A litany for worship inspired by Psalm 85

by Ken Sehested

In seasons of dark desire eyes strain for Eden’s refrain and flickered light ’mid the fright of earth’s travail. Oh, Beloved. . . .

Unleash your Voice of Pardon from wrath’s consuming reign. Speak peace to the hungered of heart.

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Comfort my people

A litany for worship inspired by Isaiah 40:1-5

by Ken Sehested

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.

Let tender resolve loose the bonds of revenge. All flesh is destined for Heaven’s Delight!

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Go out in joy

A litany for worship adapted from St. Francis' "Canticle of the Sun" and related Scripture texts

by Ken Sehested

What is it you wish to know, oh mortal one?

Do you think you must ascend to the highest heaven or descend to the deepest pit?

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Let gladness swell your heart

A litany for worship inspired by Psalm 107

by Ken Sehested

Listen, all you who stagger in desert waste,
disgraced by gloom’s unremitting groan, dragged
daily to death’s gate and the sea’s drowning flood.

The Blessed One stands at the gate of plenty.
The Beloved waits by the well of refreshment.

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For that Bright Land

A litany for worship inspired by Romans 8:18-27

by Ken Sehested

We enter this house of meeting with lips pursed in praise, voicing rejoicing, hearts heaving to the rhythm of mercy and the beat of beatitude.

’Cause we woke up this morning with our minds stayed on freedom. And stayed on Jesus.

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Wonderfully made

A litany for worship inspired by Psalm 139

by Ken Sehested

Merciful One, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you hear my thoughts from far away.

Encompass me with your Presence, and lay your hand on my heart.

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