let go . . . of self-defeating stories.
Sunday, February 8th, 2026
Our morning prayer service is an opportunity to carve out space for contemplation and stillness in our otherwise busy lives. Our current theme is Let Go. Each week we'll explore this theme in different ways, focusing on how we might live with more courage and intention.
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.
- What self-defeating stories do you tell yourself about yourself?
- Where are these stories rooted? Childhood? Roles in the family? Gifts? Gender? Character?
- How have those stories become self-fulfilling prophecies?
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.
Gathering Music
Glenda Stansbury and Carolyn Sargent
Here We Open Our Hearts
Let us begin the day with this time of consideration, holy listening, supported silence, song, and prayer. We invite you to settle into your seat, let your shoulders drop, and take a deep breath. Today we consider how we dare to protest abuse of power, and we ask:
As we reflect together, remember: your whole self is welcome here.
- What self-defeating stories do you tell yourself about yourself?
- Where are these stories rooted? Childhood? Roles in the family? Gifts? Gender? Character?
- How have those stories become self-fulfilling prophecies?
As we reflect together, remember: your whole self is welcome here.
Stillness
In this moment, we invite you into silent prayer, meditation, or further contemplation of the considerations.
Hymn
I Need You Every Hour, Hymn 517
New Century Hymnal
New Century Hymnal
Prayers of the People
One: Our Creator, who is in heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is heaven.
All: Help us, Holy One, to make the only world we know a place where You would feel at home. Let us work in ways that bring peace, comfort the afflicted, and alleviate suffering. God, hear our prayer.
One: Give us this day our daily bread.
All: Help us to ask for what we need, Holy One, and to share what we have. Let us live in ways that ensure everyone has enough. God, hear our prayer.
One: Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
All: All of us have fallen short at one time or another, so may mercy be our first instinct. Let us loosen our grip on grudges and grievances. God, hear our prayer.
One: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
All: We know that violence begets violence, so help us transform our pain instead of transmitting it. Grant us courage to do the next faithful thing. God, hear our prayer.
One: We lift up the beloveds of this congregation: for Jonathan, Donavan, Lynn’s sister Becky, Shannon and Rebecca, Dennis, and Julie’s mother Shirley. We pray, too, for Kristi, Brian, Carolyn, Connie, Lisa, Melody, Josh and Samantha, Jody, Chris, Meg's brother Nate, Howard’s mother Gayle, and Deanna.
All: In a world where it is so easy to feel forgotten, may our beloveds know that we hold them close. God, hear our prayer.
One: Despite our best efforts, we do not always know what we need, what our neighbors need, or what to say.
All: Trusting that the Spirit intercedes for us, God, hear our prayer.
One: In our sleeping and waking, in our work and in our play, in our responsibilities and in our rest, come to us, Holy One, abide with us, and grant us your peace.
All: Help us, Holy One, to make the only world we know a place where You would feel at home. Let us work in ways that bring peace, comfort the afflicted, and alleviate suffering. God, hear our prayer.
One: Give us this day our daily bread.
All: Help us to ask for what we need, Holy One, and to share what we have. Let us live in ways that ensure everyone has enough. God, hear our prayer.
One: Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
All: All of us have fallen short at one time or another, so may mercy be our first instinct. Let us loosen our grip on grudges and grievances. God, hear our prayer.
One: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
All: We know that violence begets violence, so help us transform our pain instead of transmitting it. Grant us courage to do the next faithful thing. God, hear our prayer.
One: We lift up the beloveds of this congregation: for Jonathan, Donavan, Lynn’s sister Becky, Shannon and Rebecca, Dennis, and Julie’s mother Shirley. We pray, too, for Kristi, Brian, Carolyn, Connie, Lisa, Melody, Josh and Samantha, Jody, Chris, Meg's brother Nate, Howard’s mother Gayle, and Deanna.
All: In a world where it is so easy to feel forgotten, may our beloveds know that we hold them close. God, hear our prayer.
One: Despite our best efforts, we do not always know what we need, what our neighbors need, or what to say.
All: Trusting that the Spirit intercedes for us, God, hear our prayer.
One: In our sleeping and waking, in our work and in our play, in our responsibilities and in our rest, come to us, Holy One, abide with us, and grant us your peace.
Hymn
Jesus Still Lead On, Hymn 446
New Century Hymnal
New Century Hymnal
Meditation
Rev. Dr. Lori Walke
Reflection
As part of our work to let go of self-defeating stories, you are invited to take a piece of paper you were handed before entering the sanctuary and write on it some of the self-defeating stories you have been telling yourself, narratives that you need to let go of. Who have you been telling yourself that you are, and how has that limited your understanding of grace, and therefore the possibility of change?
When you are ready, bring it forward and place it in the water. You will see that it dissolves, and as it does, let it mirror how you are also letting go of those self-defeating stories.
If you are joining us online, we invite you to also write out those self-defeating stories, and when you are ready, tear that paper right down the middle, and then keep tearing it until you cannot read the words on the page. Let it mirror how you are also letting go of those self-defeating stories.
Your heart and mind now have space for you to right a new story, one with more truth about who you are as a beloved child of God.
When you are ready, bring it forward and place it in the water. You will see that it dissolves, and as it does, let it mirror how you are also letting go of those self-defeating stories.
If you are joining us online, we invite you to also write out those self-defeating stories, and when you are ready, tear that paper right down the middle, and then keep tearing it until you cannot read the words on the page. Let it mirror how you are also letting go of those self-defeating stories.
Your heart and mind now have space for you to right a new story, one with more truth about who you are as a beloved child of God.
Benediction
As you go out into the remainder of the day, may you carry the still, small voice of the Divine within you. May your hearts be filled with peace, your hands moved by compassion, and your steps guided by love.