(God rested from creation on the seventh day, the Jewish sabbath, which is our Saturday. But Christians use the Lord’s Day, Sunday, for our day of rest; and so this theme was pulled forward to begin the week.)
GREETING (adapted from Psalm 118:24)
This is the day that you have made, O God.
We rejoice and are glad in it.
HYMN 189 “Fairest Lord Jesus”
PSALM 139
PRAYER
In the beginning,
you alone are God.
In you dwells origin,
the present and destiny.
From you comes creation,
life, meaning, hope, eternity.
Astounding beauty and variety,
you plant with purpose, harmony,
justice, strength, truth, and holiness.
If you were unjust, chaos would reign.
If you were cruel, creation would wither.
If you were war-like, violence and hatred
would rip and tear, pierce and shred all of us.
If you were lazy, we would be lost on our own.
If you were selfish, you would have enslaved us.
If you were greedy, you would take, and never give.
If you were careless, mistakes would rip creation apart.
But you are love, both its essence and its steadfast source.
You walked with us in Eden, and walk with your people still.
You called us good, and then told us to bear fruit and multiply.
You made us creators, like you, male and female, in your image.
Yet there are none like you. You are absolutely and forever unique.
Loving and forgiving the unworthy, saving the lost and granting grace,
you have an astonishing desire to immerse your creatures in good and joy.
That you are a God of love is the only explanation for all that you have done.
For example, there is always much to do, but you tell us to rest one day a week.
What all-powerful, divine being orders rest for the servants? Only you, our Creator.
So, with joy in our hearts and thanksgiving on our lips, we sit back and put our feet up.
Know that our worshipful rest is an indication of the reverence and love we have for you.
Amen.
GATHER WITH A CONGREGATION OF CHRISTIANS
TO CONTINUE THE WORSHIP OF GOD
ON THIS DAY OF JOYFUL RESURRECTION.
Copyright 2020. Robert D. Ingram, 32746 Jourden Rd., Albany, Ohio 45710 (dr.bobingram@gmail.com). Used by permission.
