Words and the Rest of Life

Lenten Prayers

2010-03-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

Here are three prayers I've written for the Lenten season, one for morning, midday, and evening. I decided to write prayers that I would do my best to pray each day as opposed to giving up something like TV this year.

Lenten Prayers

Luke 4:1-2 (NRSV)

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished.

Morning Prayer:

Maker of morning, I greet you from the wilderness of Lent in the light of the awakening sun. Though my stomach is empty, my mouth is dry, and my feet find only sand, I thank you for another morning. In this desert time, remind me of my blindness that I may see. Remind me of my weakness that I may be strong. Remind me of my dumbness that I may be wise. May your light, your strength, and your wisdom take me through the desert. Amen.

Midday Prayer:

Sustainer of Days, Perpetual Giver of Life, in the middle of the day, in the middle of my life, I am grateful for your grace and call your attention to the life that surrounds me. Although the desert is desolate, life still lingers small. Continue your grace to my world, my nation, my community, my family, and your Church. May we not succumb to the death and temptation of the desert but find grace in the oasis of you. May you work within and without us to bring water to the thirsty, food to the hungry, and dignity to the naked and ashamed who wander in this wilderness with us, because you are our God, and you are good. Amen.

Evening Prayer:

As the sun recedes and the cold creeps close, I am burnt and tired, but I come now to rest in the grace of your evening, the comfort of your covers and the hope of your holy hospitality. I lay the day gone passed at your feet, asking forgiveness for my transgressions and peace that I may find real rest in my sleep tonight. Close my eyes, comfort my soul, and rejuvenate my body before I begin another new day with you. Amen.

Children's Call to Worship

2010-03-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

Here is the Call to Worship I've written for Children's Church at the Moravian Church where I work. The bolded words are words the children repeat with hand motions.

Call to Worship

Our Lord who loves us. We come together today to thank you for your love (thank you, hands with palms facing you, one next to mouth, one further, move from face toward other), to praise you for who you are (hallelujah, hands raised high), and to ask that you help us love you (cross arms over chest then point up), each other (point at several others in the room), and ourselves (point two thumbs at yourself) better and better! Amen.

Poem for Parenting

2010-03-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

As a Director of Christian Education in the Moravian Church, I work with children and there parents a great deal. Here is a poem I've written for the children and parents I work with as well as the Board of Christian Education of the Southern Province.

The Problem in Parenting

By Steven Fuller

The Problem in Parenting is that the life that you have given is now not yours to live,

While the one who will live it knows not yet the gift it is.

Your child,

In whom so much of you is

Your heart, soul, strength, mind, and DNA

Is not yours.

It is a risky feeling. It is a tender thought.

You know the pain he will feel. You know the danger she knows not.

Yet despite yourself,

Despite your need to govern danger, manage risk, and police their loss,

You believe that life is so worth living and gifts are so worth giving

That God would give Godself, God’s son, on a cross.

It is a risky feeling. It is a tender thought.

Although life is freely lived, it is most costly bought.

May you give in hope of living, a risk you take with God

The source of all good giving, the hope of all that’s bought!

Poem for My Brother

2010-02-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

A Poem upon the Birth of My Nephew, Elgin Thomas

By Steven Thomas

Upon becoming father, brother mine,

Who came to me before I came to know

That life from love and love from life could grow.

Upon becoming mother, sister mine,

Now holding hope and risk in eyes blue-gray,

Though grafted on, you blossom life anew,

From different branches two, one bud it grew!

“Alas,” some say, “does night not end each day?”

And death end life; in death, life lost the game

Returned to dust, to that from which it came.

But Shepherd at death, shaking, did he weep,

Then turn and to Death cry, “My sheep I’ve lost!

I saw her as I stretched upon the cross.

But when she’s found, and in my arms does sleep,

Your knees will bend to Love in life and keep!”

Sweet Elgin Thomas, born of human kind,

Your life does whisper hope that shepherds find.

Upon becoming life, love sown does reap

And God of Love whose passion hides not hurt,

Will love outpour as heaven comes to earth.

Something New

2007-01-15T13:40:00.001-08:00

My name is Steven. This is my first blog. I'm trying something new. I need to write some things down.