Morning Prayer

Our morning prayer service is an opportunity to carve out space for contemplation and stillness in our otherwise busy lives. Throughout January, our theme is Dare. 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.

Glenda Stansbury

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 do it imperfectly, and we ask:

• Where in your life are you waiting to feel “ready," and what might happen if you dared to simply begin instead?
• What is the next best step you can take, however small it might be? What do you need to take that step? Who do you need or want support from?
• How does perfectionism show up in your work, relationships, or spiritual life, and how does it hinder you? In what way can you extend to yourself the gift of grace?

As we reflect together, remember: your whole self is welcome here.

In this moment, we invite you into silent prayer, meditation, or further contemplation of the considerations.

From the Crush of Wealth and Power, Hymn 552
New Century Hymnal 

One: Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, in this world where not all things are as they should be, “Your kingdom come,” we pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
All: If we want a garden, then we have to sow the seed. Plant a little happiness, and let the roots run deep. If it’s love that we give, then it’s love that we reap. God, hear our prayer.

One: Give us this day our daily bread.
All: You already know that it is not just flour, yeast, salt, and water, that we are after, Holy One. Every day we need work, rest, and play. 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 right 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 and Howard's mother Gayle.
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.

Rev. Sheridan Irick

Precious Lord, Take My Hand, Hymn 472
New Century Hymnal

Rev. Sheridan Irick

When you came in this morning, you received a notecard and an envelope. As part of our practice of daring to do it imperfectly, we invite you to write a note to your future self, two weeks from now. Our opening considerations are in your bulletin, and they might help guide you. Over the next two weeks, is there something you can begin--remembering that you don't have to finish with the whole novel, just start a terrible first draft? Perhaps there is one next step you want to challenge yourself to take. Perhaps you want to remind yourself of the grace that has already been given to you.

You’ll have a moment to write to yourself and address the envelope to whatever address you’d like to receive it at. When you are done, you can come place your envelope on the alter, and in two weeks, we’ll mail them out to you.  
 
What might you need to hear, two weeks from now, to dare to do it imperfectly?

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.