This evening I had the great honor of preaching for a wonderful church that supports our campus ministry program. But the greater honor was being able to lead worship alongside two incredible women, one of whom is a Commissioned Lay Pastor, and one of whom is applying to seminary. I couldn’t help but smile as we all three stood in the chancel!
As a devotion for tonight, I’ll share the Lord’s Supper prayer I wrote (minus the actual prayer over the elements, which was a standard prayer out of our Presbyterian worship book.)
This is the night for which we have waited.
Here in the long nights of early winter, we watch, dear God. We listen, and long for your presence among us.
And here you are, living, breathing, radiant with newborn warmth.
This night was foretold by prophets, anticipated by your appointed rulers, and hoped for by your people.
This night brings a chorus of angels and a mesmerized band of lowly shepherds.
And this night brings peace.
Even as we celebrate, we know that your peace is not cheap, O God.
Your precious Son grew up among us, lived among us, healed our bodies and restored our souls … yet we still sent him to the cross.
Through his death and resurrection we are born into new life.
So this night, as we gaze upon the Lamb of God, nestled among the humble animals, make us new.
Re-create us, so that we might live in the abundance of faith, hope, and love.
Re-awaken us, so that we might sing of your Good News and live out a vision of your peace.
Refresh us, so that we might help you share the Bread of Heaven and the Water of Life with a hungry and thirsty world.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor2K 