Boundaries for Blessing - Litany
God does lead us, we have invited God to be present in whatever we do, and wherever we are and to lead us in all of those places and postures. God’s commandments guide us in how we can allocate our gifts and resources, so they benefit our wellbeing. We are given boundaries for honoring our time, our relationships, our influence, and our belongings. Christ taught us these same boundaries in his sermon on the Mount. Following the teachings of the Word, in law and embodied in Christ are intended to bless us. Let us remind ourselves of God’s plans to bless our lives and confess the ways we’ve limited God’s blessings.
One: God commanded have no other gods. Make no idols. Do not use the name of the LORD your God to exploit others. Bring no harm with your words. Jesus teaches us not to focus on the riches of this world but only focus on God, nobody can serve both God and wealth. Almighty God, write your law upon our hearts.
Many: In this pureness of heart will see God.
One: God structures our time, telling us to remember the sabbath day, structuring rest and worship into creation. Jesus, coming to fulfill the law encourages resting in God’s promises, do not worry about tomorrow. Always seek the provisions of God. Almighty God, write your law upon our hearts.
Many: Keep our spirits rich only with visions of God’s kingdom.
One: Our Creator honors our life and the lives of others, saying do not murder. Jesus warns do not even be angry, instead reconcile. Do not judge but examine yourself for flaws. Almighty God, write your law upon our hearts.
Many: Make us meek, counting only on God’s power and inheritance.
One: God cares for our relationships bidding not to commit adultery. Jesus empowers us into mutual flourishing, to remove anything that inspires sin from our lives. Almighty God, write your law upon our hearts.
Many: Make us filled only with God’s love for one another.
One: God commanded, “You shall not steal.” Jesus bids us to give into the demands of thieves, and then some. Not holding fast to earthly treasure but to store up treasures in heaven. Almighty God, write your law upon our hearts.
Many: Make us merciful, able to receive Christ’s mercy.
One: God commanded Not to covet and to honor our heritage. Jesus embodied humility and taught the purpose of righteousness is not for it to be seen by others but to give, pray, and fast in humility. Gifts given humbly are a blessing to God and others. Humility to our elders is a blessing to us. Almighty God, write your law upon our hearts.
Many: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
Pastoral Prayer: God, we have not followed your commandments. We have not embodied the example and teaching and Christ. Almighty God, write your law upon our hearts. Let your boundaries free us to live out your blessed plan for us. Almighty God, write your law upon our hearts. We act out an example of the embodiment of your commands now by praying as you taught us how to pray:
Please join me in the Lord’s prayer, this can be found in your hymnal 895
Lord’s Prayer (UMH 895)
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Hear the Good News: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. In the name of Christ, we are forgiven. Let us rejoice collectively by together proclaiming alleluia, Please repeat after me, Alleluia, Alleluia!
