In today’s reading from Phillipians (3:17-4:1) Paul speaks of our body of humiliation being transformed by and into the Body of Christ, an expression of God’s great grace. Rev. Kent preached on the many humiliations we suffer, and carry, and act out upon, reminding us that there is no shame that God cannot transform: both the things we ought to be ashamed of and do differently, and the ones where we carry humiliations unfairly given over to us. Here is the prayer written by him and offered by Sarabeth Brownrobie, our worship leader today, asking for God’s help in transforming ourselves and our world for the better:
God of transformation be our strength today in this world of humiliation and shame. Wrongfully shamed and bearing in our bodies needless humiliation we are weakened, hesitant, and diminished. Transform our misperceptions that we may be your Body of love and grace. Mindlessly unaware of the harm we bring to others we shame ourselves and the good news we are meant to bear, sometimes pretending that nothing is wrong. Transform our ignorance and ignite in us the capacity for change. Change our isolation in these sorrows to the community that is the Body of Christ: whole, mighty to save, and seeking always to be about your healing work, no matter the season. May our embarrassment be changed to strength in doing your will, for us and for all. –Rev. Kent Gilbert
To see the whole service and listen to the sermon, click below:
Leave a Reply