I have decided to post the liturgies from our Roundtable Worship regularly in this space. The first reason is that the opening liturgy gives voice to my “sense of the gathering” that comes together at this table. It’s both my taking of their pulse and an expression of my own. The second part of the gathering repeats our common prayer of hope and our commitments, which vary only after consideration at our summer retreat.
The second reason for posting these liturgies is that this small gathering seeks to live into the deep elements of human action that are at the core of a just republic in our time—the capacity to listen, to gather in respect and equality, to speak honestly from the heart, to seek common ground and reconciliation, and to share with thanksgiving in eating and drinking from earth’s bounty. They are simple acts. Their absence in much of our public life today has eroded our capacity to act in compassion, justice, and responsibility to the integrity of our planet. In this ritual we enact an alternative world of our deep commitments, hopes, and our common calling.
So here is this month’s liturgy for your own meditation.
Roundtable Gathering
August 17, 2025
Lighting the Candle
We light a candle in the name of the God who creates life,
in the name of the Savior who loves life,
in the name of the Spirit who is the fire of life.
Call to the Table
In the chaos I have built for you a door.
Lead us through the open door to find a life abundant.
In your shadows you will lose your way alone.
In the shadows help us find the light that leads to peace.
In your silence fear lies heavy on your arms.
In your word we hear the songs that lead us home.
In your emptiness your life spills out in tears.
In your cup of mercy we can taste the covenant of life renewed.
Come, come to my table.
We come to your table of peace.
All: Amen. Amin. Ameyn
Song of Invocation
Holy Spirit, come to us (3x), Grant us your peace.
Holy Spirit, speak to us (3x), Filled with your power.
Holy Spirit, lift us up (3x), Fill us with life.
Remembrance
Before the light, there was the love.
Within the light there was the energy of life.
Beyond the light arose a universe of possibility.
Within the possibilities a miracle unfolded.
Within the miracle we earthlings found a home.
In the chaos of our failures God created beauty out of brokenness.
In the dark infinities of space we receive a life renewed,
Out of the graveyards of the stars a love that cannot die.
Thanksgiving
O Faithful Healer of Creation,
With broken hearts and weeping eyes we lift our hands in thanks and praise for your enduring faithfulness. In the midst of suffering beyond our understanding we receive your gift of love with gratitude abounding. Amid the heartache of the world we come with thanks to your table of peace. For this taste of your heavenly banquet we lift our voices in thanks and song.
We give our thanks to God (4x)
We give our hands to you (3x), because you reached for us.
We give our hearts to you (3x), because you first loved us.
Nurture by Bread and Drink
“The bread of life” “The cup of promise”
Reading:
Isaiah 43:14-21
Revelations 3:20-22
Conversation:
What is your sense of loss and lament today and your sense of the possible way God might be creating something new in the chaos?
Gathered Prayers
The Hope Prayer
O Source of Life, You alone are holy.
Come, govern us in perfect peace.
Give us today the food that we need.
Release us from our sin as we release our enemies.
Sustain us in our times of trial.
Liberate us all from evil powers.
Guide us in your justice, wisdom, and peace. Amen, Amin, Ameyn
Words of Commitment
In God’s love, we will seek the path of reconciliation.
In God’s power, we will walk the ways of peace.
In God’s wisdom, we will struggle for God’s justice in this world.
In God’s mercy, we will seek to care for Earth, our home.
Blessing Song: “Peace Be With You”
Peace be with you, Peace forever, Peace be with you, my friends.
Till we meet again, may God be with you. Peace, Peace, Peace.
Oh….stunningly beautiful! Thank you!
And blessings as you gather around your “Roundtable” for worship and tender companionship.
-Sharon
May the peace of the Lord always be with you.