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The use of liturgy – when, how, and how much – can be a divisive conversation. Semantically, liturgy is simply the ritual of worship, its form. How we do it. But it also describes the formularies, those particular collections of phrases, expressions, and prayers that are often recited. This is a common practice. Not just in Christianity – where we might think of our communal benediction, “Let us go forth…” or The Apostles’ Creed – but also in Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, all which utilize repetitive liturgical formularies as prayers, guides, and mantras. It’s these particular formulaic acts of worship that often get a bad rap, a reputation that formulaic repetition is somehow less engaging or meaningful because it is too crafted, too old, or too confusing for various reasons, such as use of inaccessible language. And some are put off by more extemporaneous forms of worship. A prayer that grows out of the moment, and the very moments of that prayer. An intentional worship experience that does not utilize the familiar. I imagine this feels too informal or imprecise to those uncomfortable with it. It probably won’t surprise you that I find myself more comfortable with liturgical elements for some aspects of worship, and believe we should intentionally pursue more of the relaxed, informed by the moment acts of worship that are unique. It’s a concern that the familiar can exclude those unfamiliar with it, and I believe that “informed by the moment” can mean “informed by the Holy Spirit”, as well as recognizing that impromptu does not mean unintentional. My partiality for the liturgical may be a purely personal thing (i.e., my goal is not to convince you it’s the best and you should agree [even if it’s the best and you should agree]), but I’ve been thinking about it this week since a prayer was written and shared with me by one of my covenant brothers, the Rev. Drew Weseman. Drew is creative, beautifully creative in the liturgies he creates and enables others to worship with. And they often remind me of what I love about their construction and use. They are invitations. Invitations to explore faith and worship and belief beyond what we might alone. We are invited to speak them, pray them, consider them. We are invited to sit with them so they might challenge us, move us. Perhaps their repetition is the invitation and mechanism of their being lodged in our memories, giving them a chance to float to the surface of consciousness when we need to be reminded. Reminded of our call to “build a vibrant and diverse community that champions the inclusive gospel of Jesus Christ”, or that our belief doesn’t end with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but includes “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.” I am grateful for liturgies that continue to challenge and inspire me beyond my own experiences, that connect me with “the communion of saints”. That offer me words to pray when I don’t have my own, or remind me of the promises of God when they feel distant. And it’s with that in mind I invite you to consider this prayer by Drew, what he describes as a “palindrome poem”, that beautifully expresses the movement from sin and brokenness to grace and hope. That it might lodge itself in you so you may be reminded of the journey we are all invited to partake through the rich gifts of God. Rev. Ben Richards Transformative Grace A heart will pull in sin to create the chaos
Within a world not right or clean around me.
You let your grace and spirit feel aways from me.
Will you restore your love and win?
So we pray…
And you create in me a clean heart,
To restore a right spirit within.
The world will feel your love around,
And Your grace will not let chaos win,
Or sins pull me away from you
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