Lord, Make me an Instrument
Pastor Joanie Generally, when we consider the writings of the apostle Paul, we think of letters that are harsh and straight to the point. At times, Paul has a very aggressive style of writing as he tries to persuade his listeners. As a matter of fact, when I read the writings of Paul, I have come to expect his intensity. There are moments in the book of Romans that are no exception.
As I reread more of his letter to the Romans, I was encouraged by messages of hope, grace, and God’s righteousness. In the book of Romans, Paul is concerned with the law and sin and the connection between the two. He is also concerned how our relationship with the law and sin is impacted by the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And it is also true that Paul believes there is hope for us sinners because of God’s grace.
As I reread parts of Romans this week, the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi kept playing through my head. Romans 6:13-14 states:
…but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
As humans it is easy to get burdened by our sinfulness. It is easy to let the sinfulness of others take our light and peace away. It is easy to carry the weight of the laws.
And yet, we should be carried away by God’s grace and peace. So, I offer you the prayer of St. Francis as a reminder to be an instrument of God’s righteousness; to let God’s grace play a louder melody in your life than sin. Allow God’s peace to bring harmony into your heavy days. As Pastor Jason encouraged us on Sunday, allow space for God!
As you read St. Francis’ prayer below, I also encourage you listen and soak in the melodies of this prayer. Listen here to a beautiful arrangement by composer Mary McDonald and give yourself a moment to soak in God’s peace: Lord, Make Me an Instrument.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
If you missed Sunday’s Sermon or want to hear it again, read or listen here: Spirituality: Creating Space for God Within Us
Sunday Morning Small Group Series – Half Truths
We are exploring the truth behind common sayings, such as Everything Happens for a Reason, God’s Helps Those Who Helps Themselves, and Love the Sinner Hate the Sin. They sound Christian – like something you might find in the Bible. We’ve all heard them. Maybe we’ve even said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways. Discover the whole truth by comparing Christian cliches with the wisdom found in Scripture.
Sunday Mornings from 9:45 – 10:30 am
This Week at Hood
Monday, June 25, 6:30 pm – Women’s Circles Meeting, Salad Bar dinner
Tuesday, June 26, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Volunteer opportunity at DUMA Food Pantry
Wednesday, June 27, 1:30-2:30 pm – Prayer & Inspiration
Wednesday, June 27, 6:00 pm – “Young-ish” Small Group Meeting
Sunday, June 24, 11:00 am – Worship – Faces of Our Faith: Queen Vashti (Esther 1-2)
Upcoming Events
Saturday, July 7, 1:00 pm – 4th of July Celebration at the Lashmit Lakehouse
Friday, July 13, 7:30 pm – Hood MCC’s Movie Night at Sweet Frogs featuring Disney/Pixar’s “Coco”