21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources for the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost, Year B

Gathering Meditation: Pause and Rest
He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves
and rest a while." For many were coming and going,
and they had no leisure even to eat. (Mark 6:31, NRSV)

Come away and rest awhile
Lest you be crushed by the load.

Get away and rest
Lest the world and its troubles
Trouble your soul into amnesia
And you forget
Why you are here
And how important you are to God.

Go away and rest awhile
Lest temptation's noose find a soft spot
Around your neck
And destroy you.

Come away and rest awhile
In the presence of your God.

(Safiyah Fosua)

Litany for Forgiveness
Leader: Today we have a difficult time forgiving one another. Remind us that we all need you and we all need one another.
People: Lord, may all people become one.

Leader: Help us to be sensitive to one another and to have open minds.
People: Lord, may all people become one.

Leader: Remind us that no one is perfect. Unite us through our common need for forgiveness.
People: Lord, may all people become one.

Leader: The Lord loves each of us, no matter what! Lord, teach us to love and forgive one another.
People: Lord, may all people become one.

All: Amen!!

Benediction
As the Lord promised David, God also promises you. Be assured of God's steadfast love that makes us stand firm. So go out into the world and know that the Lord's hand shall always remain upon you to strengthen you and guide you. Amen!!

About the Author: Stephon Williams lives in Baltimore, Maryland, where he is currently a college student at The Community College of Baltimore County. He is a member of Christ UMC of the Deaf and is involved in the Deaf Sign Choir and the Deaf Youth Group.