Prayers for Worship
Proper 7
by Ron Gordon

Mark 4: 35-41

Collect:
 

Creator God, your Word brought order out of chaos in the beginning, 
and your Son delivered his disciples from the destructive power of the storm 
by his sovereign command. We pray you to speak peace in the midst of all the chaos 
of human life, war and disaster, we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer:
 

Holy God, whose glory fills the universe with wonder and joy, 
and who constantly strives to bring justice and peace to your people, 
we respond with delight and adoration in your presence, now in this place 
and every morning you give us. Holy and Blessed is God, Father, Son 
and Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen

Father we praise you for the gift of Jesus, for his embrace of humanity in love 
and understanding. His stories teach us about your care for all, and his deeds 
show mercy in combating the destructive powers of the natural world 
and of human nature. He liberates people from oppressive forces within 
and around them; from illness and delusions; and he promises the coming 
of an order of justice and peace for all.

He displayed his power over the elements in saving his disciples, 
and yet he became powerless when faced with the cross: offering himself 
into the hands of those who sought his destruction, for such was his confidence 
in fulfilling his work, and your justifying power. Such is the grace of our Lord Jesus.

On the faintheartedness of your disciples, ancient and modern, 
and our lack of trust in your saving power:  Lord, have mercy.

On our distracted minds torn by chaos around us in our world or in ourselves, 
or in our church, when we fail to look to you: Christ, have mercy.

On all failure to live to our understanding of your grace and to share 
that confidence with others: Lord, have mercy.

Your word of forgiveness heals and restores us, and remakes us as those who live 
and trust in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the communion of the Holy Spirit 
and the love of God. Blessed is God forever.  Amen.

© 2009 Ron Gordon (used with permission)

double dark
by Jenn Gordon
 
Mark 4: 35-41

often I have been bewildered by your silence
in this abode of chaos on which our little boat
struggles to keep afloat

when mocking tides send surges of paralysing fear
threatening to draw us down
into the overwhelming deep
you sleep

and while the wind whips frenzied waves
that dance to the devil’s tune
a murky, discordant, stormy song
you slumber on

don’t you care?
are you even there?

finally lifted from sleep’s cradle
wiping dream-drenched eyes
wielding the power of peace as your staff
you rebuke and chastise the double dark;
the storm and my lack of faith

(Comments to Jenn at jennieg@labyrinth.net.au.)