Is This the End?  As We Pray and Look for Hope in Southern California

Text: Joel 2:30

* Call to Worship

People: The fires are raging, Lord, put them out, put them out.

Leader: The heat is intense, but my presence has not been removed.

People: The environment screams, and it echoes the cries of homeowners and business people.

Leader: I am in the inferno just as I was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

People: Is this the end Lord? Hope is in the balance, and it tilts to the side of despair.

Leader: I have never given up on you, why do you give up on me? I am in the fire too.

People: We try to worship you but we are losing focus; too much heat, Lord. Is this the end?

Leader: Worship me in good times and bad times. I am still in control.

All: In all things, we say thanks. Under all conditions, we shall worship. You are always God. Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Amen.

Prayer of Petition

Lord, we cannot always understand how you work, but help us to trust you. We do not know why evil is still in the front seat, but give us the courage to fight for justice. We see no purpose in working so hard to do good and achieve much; when in a twinkling of an eye, everything may vanish. Grant us the ability to rise above the spirit of defeat and to believe that the One who holds the future holds our hand, and all will be well. We pray in the name of Jesus the Christ. AMEN.

Prayer of Confession
(Let us say in unison)

Forgive us, O Lord, for living as if there is no tomorrow and no day of accountability. Lord, forgive us for living presumptuously, showing no care for human or for God. Bend us to your will and way, and lift us out from the miry clay. Wash us with the blood of Jesus that others may see the cleanness and smell the new fragrance. Hear us, we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer of Illumination
(Let us say in unison)

Our optical nerves are not adapted to the prints of your holy word. Our brains cells are not attuned to the interpretation of the hidden truth. The power to read and understand the holy writ does not lie within us. So teach us to rely upon the prompting of the Holy Spirit; and to earnestly call upon you to translate your word to our hearts, and transform our wills to your will. Work through us even now as your word is read and your people find new life. Amen.

The Rev. T. Anne Daniel is pastor of Madison Avenue UMC in New York City. The Rev. Daniel is from the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas.

"Is This the End?" As We Pray and Look for Hope in Southern California" Copyright 2007 The Rev. T. Anne Daniel. All Rights Reserved. Posted with permission.