Spirit of God
You are the breath of creation
The wind of change
Speak through our dreams tonight
Song “Lord for sorrows deep”
Forgive us our closed minds
And break down the barricades of our hearts
So we can embrace new ways of being
We say the Lord’s Prayer in our own language
Reading Acts 19
35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. 38 If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. 39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” 41 After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
Prayer
We pray tonight for all those we know who need our help and prayers who we carry in our hearts tonight.
Spirit of the Living God present with us now enter their bodies, minds and spirits and heal them of all that harms them. Let your angels be beside them at this time and protect them. In Jesus Name we pray.
Song “Felix Culpa”
Closing Responses
In the depth of silence
No words are needed
We are just called to listen
To the movement of the Spirit
And in the midst of confusion
To hear your voice.
Amen.
©Iona Community and Janet Morley adapted
