Leaning
The sanctuary fills with
sounds of the St Paul band
playing “Lean On Me”
in time people warm up
lowering printed word
moving into mellow song
prayers leaning into
God’s love to know
calm and peace.
Look around and notice
Spirit connecting
folks leaning in to one
frightened
then another
with comforting hug
beloved sharing load
of neighbor
minds releasing
problems unknown.
Now join in this chorus
Lean on Jesus, our Redeemer,
and Surrender!
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Romans 12:9-21 (The Message Bible)
Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody. Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness.
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Sharing Jesus’ Words
It makes me happy to be associated with people who help others in need and desire to help an obviously struggling society. The basic lessons that Jesus taught could change things up!
Love one another as I have loved you.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
You are the salt of the earth…
Judge not, lest you be judged
Blessed are those who grieve, for they shall be comforted.
Faithful ones, which verses do you share with lonely people who could use a loving community that brings hope to their lives rather than judging them? How do you reach out to people who are suffering and lovingly reaching-out to connect with others? Indeed, spiritual gifts often multiply when we offer our gifts!
Furthermore, guiding people to a relationship with God and a community they can lean into is a good step to healing our society and world. We pray that all worship at Saint Paul blesses your relationship with God with peace and grace when “leaning on the everlasting arms.”
We pray God’s healing love and peace to you and yours,
Rev. Marta Wheeler