Call to Worship (Boston Marathon Bombings)

Leader: We come this morning, hoping for healing and rest.

People: Healing can be hard when the world seems harsh and cruel.

Leader: We come seeking peace after the blast, even among the shrapnel of images imbedded in our collective minds.

People: Peace can be hard when the world roars in chaos and pain.

Leader: We come to a God who knows what it is to have nails in flesh and bone. We come to a God who knows our pain.

People: We come to you, O God, because you know how to change death into life and chaos into beauty. Anoint this hour with your peace as we worship in your name.

The Rev. Mantu Joshi is the pastor of Pioneer UMC in Portland, OR.