
By John Core
He said to them, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.
“God Turned the Spirit Loose in Wind,” Community of Christ Sings 484, © 2000 Wane Leupold Editions
God turned the Spirit loose in wind that glided over space,
and danced across the universe with endless light and grace.
God freed that Spirit wind again to whirl a closer curve,
and set a church in motion here to worship and to serve.
God set the Spirit free, a dove whose gentle voice and flight,
made manifest what Jesus was: “Beloved, God’s delight.”
And that same Spirit hovered here, through waits and wanderings,
it marked our way, renewed our strength, bore us on eagle’s wings.
God roused the Spirit into flames in the apostles’ room,
and wakened in them gifts that built one church from empty tomb.
God kindled Spirit near at hand to light this place again,
in word and work and worship here to stir the gifts within.
God let the Spirit speak of old through prophets and in law,
that told the story age to age with eloquence and awe.
God let the Spirit speak again in laugh and deepest sigh,
in voices that yet fill this room, in lives of saints close by.
God, let your Spirit come again, reconsecrate this place,
that we who are assembled here may be the vessels for your grace.
Now may that Spirit make of us what we are called to be:
a living, breathing, working glimpse of your eternity.
May we accept the hope found in creation to guide us on this journey.
…Onward!
Prayer Phrase
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
Deepening Roots
A tree with superficial roots will wither during drought, or severe storms may uproot it. A tree whose roots go deep is stable and draws from deep waters. Imagine yourself as a tree by a river or stream. Sense your roots extending deep into the earth in search of God’s Spirit. Reflect or pray about what you hope to find as your spirit searches for deeper identity in God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.