litany for a Monday evening

A friend of mine had a rather intense day. I knew it was coming, and when I woke this morning, it was on my heart to write her a litany. Now anyone who knows me knows I have made a rather intense journey from my Pentecostal heritage to the more liturgical expressions of the Lutheranism to which I hope to be ordained. Liturgy has become my way of thinking when it comes to prayer. I think this is because I have become acutely aware of community in worship. This faith we live is very particularly ours, but it is by no means completely individual. So when I pray for another, my mind immediately turns to the community of faith. How can WE pray for one another? What are WE praying for when two or more of us gather in Christ's name before the throne of  our Lord? And how do we approach the God who created the world AND loves to spend these quite moments with our feeble hearts?

Litanies are a beautiful way to begin. They center us in our identity as children of God coming before a loving father with praise and adoration, with honesty and truth, with as much proclamation as we can muster when our hearts may be breaking or even if they are overflowing with joy.

So this morning, not quite knowing how to word my prayers for my friend, I began with a simple litany. As I've carried through the day with me, I've prayed and let it preface my prayers on many subjects. It seems fitting to end the day. Add whatever is on your heart at the end.





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In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Lord you are good.

When the days are joyous and the burdens light, we proclaim it.

Lord you are good.

In days of shadow and uncertainty we proclaim it.

Lord you are good.

When the road is bumpy and we trip and fall. When those around us have short-sighted commentary on the life we live as your beloved children, we still proclaim it.

Lord you are good.

When your will seems hidden but the days march on and we long to know your plan in detail, we proclaim in faith,

Lord you are good.