Litany for Women's Day

Many: O Lord, you are my covering!

One: From the very beginning, when darkness covered the face of the deep, you, O God, by your Spirit and your Word created the universe. You set the planet Earth on its foundations and you cover it as a garment forever.
(Genesis 1:1, Psalm 104:5-6)

Many: I am your creation, and Lord, you are my covering!

One: You formed every person in the covering of a mother's womb. Humanity is fearfully and wonderfully made. In Eden you covered us with every precious stone.
(Psalm 139:13, Ezekiel 28:13)

Many: I am precious to you, O Lord, and you are my covering!

One: O Lord, you protect your people. You cover us in the shadow of your hand. You are a strong deliverer, covering your people in the days of battle.
(Isaiah 51:16, Psalm 140:7)

Many: I am a child of God, O Lord, and you are my covering!

One: In Jesus Christ, O God, you bought us with a price, and we know that your Holy Spirit resides in us. We are more sacred than the holy things that Aaron and his sons covered from the eyes of the enemies of your people.
(I Corinthians 6:19-20, Numbers 4: 1-20)

Many: I am sacred to you, O Lord, and you are my covering!

One: By your love, dear Jesus, you have forgiven our transgressions. Your love hides every offense and covers every sin. Because of your grace, our debts are not counted against us. Blessed are those whose sins are covered!
(Psalm 32:1, Proverbs 10:12, Romans 4:7-8)

Many: I am blessed, O God, because you are my covering!

The Rev. Marilyn E. Thornton is the Lead Editor for African American Resources at The United Methodist Publishing House, and she pastors the Emery United Methodist Church of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources: "Covering: A Litany for Women's Day And Any Worship Service)" Copyright © 2007 Marilyn E. Thornton. All Rights Reserved. Posted with Permission on the Discipleship Ministries website.