November 25 is the last Sunday in the Christian liturgical year. Sometimes called the “Reign of Christ” Sunday, the readings remind us that God is “alpha” and “omega,” the first and last of our year and lives. As we contemplate the end of one year and the beginning of another, we are also getting ready to end our time as guests in Presser hall and return to own space at Union Church. Here is Rev. Kent’s prayer reflecting on “the End of Ordinary.”
Lord, when everything ends, you stir things up and beginnings pour like springs through a Kentucky hillside: grace pouring through the cracks of adamant reality, ready to brood and breed new possibility. In our endings, we pray for that grace. Remind us especially then of the power of beginnings, remind us that ordinary doesn’t mean “same” or “dull” but a life of counting: When what must end, does, help us count our blessings. When beginning seems impossible and beyond our measure, then help us count on your strength. For with you there is no ending without a beginning. With you, nothing ends your care or keeps your love from the cracks. Alpha and Omega, instigator and completer, nothing that comes to pass passes without your care, or surpasses your love. In our endings, especially the ones that leave us fragile and vulnerable, hold in us the beginnings of new life and work. Ease our transitions and gather our resources for transforming work, changing relationships, moving mountains, and growing wise. God be in our beginnings, and bring us safely to each end, by the power of your holy love which has made for us a kin-dom of grace. –Rev. Kent Gilbert
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