"God, help us to find our confession; The truth within us which is hidden from our mind; The beauty or the ugliness we see elsewhere but never in ourselves; The stowaway which has been smuggled into the dark side of the heart; Which puts the heart off balance and causes it pain, Which wearies and confuses us, Which tips us in false directions and inclines us to destruction, The load which is not carried squarely because it is carried in ignorance. God help us to find our confession.  Help us across the boundary of our understanding. Lead us into the darkness where we can find what lies concealed; That we may confess it towards the light; That we may carry our truth in the center of our heart; That we may carry our cross wisely and bring harmony into our life and our world.  Amen."

-Michael Leunig, A Common Prayer

I read many prayers.  This one, however, has stayed with me.  The phrase "the stowaway which has been smuggled into the dark side of the heart"  lingers with me long after I have read the words. It makes me think about what I may have hidden in my life-- the darkness that needs light, the confession that needs to be expressed.

I invite you to read the prayer again.  Slowly.  Does it speak to you?

Reverend Dr. H Timothy Halverson will be preaching.

 

July 28th, Pastor Tim will begin a 4-part sermon series on Colossians.    

 

 

July 28 - Col. 1.19-23

Keeping the Main Thing

the Main Thing

 

August 4 - Col. 2. 16-23

Staying Clear of Two Ditches

 

Aug. 11  Col 3.12-17

Dressed Appropriately

 

Aug. 18 - Col. 4.1-6

Seasoned with Salt