March 13th, 2025 - Midweek Vespers
We offer you a warm welcome, and as is our practice, we remember that the land on which we meet is, was, and always will be native land. We acknowledge those indigenous tribes to Oklahoma: the Wichitas, Caddos, Plains Apaches, and the Quapaws, as the original custodians of the land in this place. We grieve the violence done to native language, culture, and personhood, and seek to honor the sovereignty and dignity of native peoples.
We are so glad you've joined us, whether in-person or online. Please take a moment to tell us you are here by using the sign-in button below.
We offer you a warm welcome, and as is our practice, we remember that the land on which we meet is, was, and always will be native land. We acknowledge those indigenous tribes to Oklahoma: the Wichitas, Caddos, Plains Apaches, and the Quapaws, as the original custodians of the land in this place. We grieve the violence done to native language, culture, and personhood, and seek to honor the sovereignty and dignity of native peoples.
We are so glad you've joined us, whether in-person or online. Please take a moment to tell us you are here by using the sign-in button below.
Introit
Evening Hymn
New Century Hymnal
Sanctify the Day
One: God at Dusk, we remain. Through trial, through labor, through the terrors and beauties of this world, we’re still here. Hearts drumming, lungs expanding. Help us remember that to simply go on is a triumph. We recall our day, drive off the beast of anxiety that lurks in the corridors of our soul.
All: Let us examine the day in truth, not as a ritual of self-hatred, but as a commitment to our own inner life and how our selfhood has engaged the exterior world. As evening falls remind us that what we have given today is enough, that we might move toward rest without apology or guilt. As our eyes drive closed, remind us of the mysterious regeneration of our bodies, that we might marvel at our own renewal in the sacred dark.
One: Make us dreamers this night, our imaginations liberated into a space without constraint. Let our rest be a portal to worlds known and unknown to us.
All: And when we wake, we pray that the mystery of the night will have led us home to ourselves again. Amen
All: Let us examine the day in truth, not as a ritual of self-hatred, but as a commitment to our own inner life and how our selfhood has engaged the exterior world. As evening falls remind us that what we have given today is enough, that we might move toward rest without apology or guilt. As our eyes drive closed, remind us of the mysterious regeneration of our bodies, that we might marvel at our own renewal in the sacred dark.
One: Make us dreamers this night, our imaginations liberated into a space without constraint. Let our rest be a portal to worlds known and unknown to us.
All: And when we wake, we pray that the mystery of the night will have led us home to ourselves again. Amen
Remember the Day
Reading from the previous Sunday: Luke 10:25-37
One: Church, if God asked you, “Who is your neighbor?”, what would you say?
All: We would say, every child, every person, every weeping willow, and every morning lark. Every freckled face, every wrinkled pair of hands, every tail-wagging dog, and every crisp, ripe apple. We would say, we are connected— to one another, to all of God’s creation.
One: This is the answer God desires, for it is said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
All: We believe. Help our unbelief. Amen.
One: Church, if God asked you, “Who is your neighbor?”, what would you say?
All: We would say, every child, every person, every weeping willow, and every morning lark. Every freckled face, every wrinkled pair of hands, every tail-wagging dog, and every crisp, ripe apple. We would say, we are connected— to one another, to all of God’s creation.
One: This is the answer God desires, for it is said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
All: We believe. Help our unbelief. Amen.
Call + Response
One: Nothing can trouble
Nothing can frighten
Those seeking God
shall never want.
All: Nothing can trouble
Nothing can frighten
Those seeking God
shall never want.
Nothing can frighten
Those seeking God
shall never want.
Illumination
As we consider the story of the Good Samaritan, we are reminded that we have been the one on the side of the road, hoping for help, praying for compassion, desperately in need of hospitality.
As we enter into a time of reflection and gratitude, let us remember when we have received help, compassion, and hospitality that has saved us in body, mind, and spirit. What moments in your life has someone shown you what love looks like? When has someone done something so kind, so unreasonably gracious that it uncoiled something in our hearts? When has someone stepped across a dividing line to rescue me?
Let us spend the next few minutes gathering up those moments in our mind, and when you are ready, as an act of thanksgiving, take the flowers that are scattered on the table and place them in the vase, making a bouquet of grace that fills our hearts.
As we enter into a time of reflection and gratitude, let us remember when we have received help, compassion, and hospitality that has saved us in body, mind, and spirit. What moments in your life has someone shown you what love looks like? When has someone done something so kind, so unreasonably gracious that it uncoiled something in our hearts? When has someone stepped across a dividing line to rescue me?
Let us spend the next few minutes gathering up those moments in our mind, and when you are ready, as an act of thanksgiving, take the flowers that are scattered on the table and place them in the vase, making a bouquet of grace that fills our hearts.
Prayer for the World
Type your new text here.
Evening Hymn
New Century Hymnal