Table Liturgy for February 2nd

Open with prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to fill and guide the time of worship.

Read Psalm 130

As we begin our time together, we will take a moment to read Psalm 130 aloud. Read the psalm slowly with pauses following each line, or even read it two or three times to allow the themes of grace and forgiveness, rest, and hopeful waiting on the Lord to resonate.

Reflections and Examen

As you approach the end of this day, and the end of this weekend, take time to reflect on the themes of the psalm and on the emotions and moments of your day, your weekend, and your past week.

Use the picture of a rose, if it’s helpful.

What were moments in your week/day that reflected the elation and beauty of a rose? High peaks of emotion and gratitude, closeness to God and others.

Ask the Spirit to bring to mind memories of events, experiences, and people that brought you joy. As God stirs your memory, do your best to fully inhabit that moment in time. What were you hearing, smelling, and feeling? Who were you with?

(If you’re interacting with this Liturgy in community, the facilitator should give a few minutes of silence here. Sharing aloud is optional but recommended!)

What were moments in your week that reflected the pain and brokenness of the thorns around the rose? Low valleys of emotion and experience, feeling far from God and others.

(A few minutes of silence followed by sharing, if desired.)

Look ahead to tomorrow and the week ahead. Think of how you might collaborate more effectively and fully with God’s mission and work, in the specific moments and plans on your calendar.

(A few minutes of silence followed by sharing, if desired.)

Pray the Lord’s Prayer

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. 

For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. 

Amen.”

Pray for Specific Needs

Take some time to pray for the needs of your family, friends, neighbors, local community, nation, and the world. Let the Spirit lead you and guide you as you pray.

Closing Prayer

If everyone feels comfortable, pray a commissioning prayer for each person, blessing and sending them into their day and week ahead.

If helpful, here is a prayer to close.

God, thank you for these people and for this day you have made, even if it looked different than we had planned. Thank you for the moments of beauty and joy, where we got to see glimpses into your kingdom as You bring it here in our world. We give you praise for this day and offer the days ahead of us to You, stepping into them with hope and expectation. Help us to love you and to love one another well. Teach us, form us, and guide us. Thank you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.