Every Sunday I write a brief reflection for our worship leaflet at Holy Comforter. I intend to post them here every week as an offering to you.
The collect, or opening prayer this morning, is a masterpiece. It begins, “Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us.”
As Christians, this prayer should both embolden us for the work of ministry, and send tremors of awe through our souls. We are empowered for ministry precisely because the Lord comes among us and inspires us for God’s work in the world. The Lord stirs us up, awakes us, and sends us out to feed the hungry and give aid to the sick.
At the same time, however, we ought to stand in reverential awe of God’s power coming among us. The power of God created the earth and gave new life to Jesus, though he was dead. The power of God is not to be taken lightly.
As you approach the Holy Eucharist table, I ask that you be aware of this power. The Lord just might stir something up within you. The Lord just might come among us.
the rev. jimmy abbott 