Lent, March 20--Palm Sunday

[dreamflower]

Part of the liturgy from this morning's service:

Holy and Gracious God, we praise you,
for you gave us Jesus Christ,
who emptied himself and took the form of a slave,
who humbled himself and became obedient to you,
even to the point of death.
In this week as we walk with him,
may we abide not only in the triumphant entry,
but in the way of the cross,
and not only in the cross, and the grave,
but to the day of his glorious rising.
For you have exalted him who is Christ the Lord,
your son and our savior. Amen

When I left for church this morning, I was not in the best frame of mind (behind the cut, because I get a bit political)

I was watching the political news this morning (This Week with George Stephanopolis) and I was feeling very angry and frustrated by what I was hearing. I felt like it seems that every tiny step forward for the human race is followed by a giant step, or two, or three, or more, backwards.

I was reminded today that the world is in other hands than mine, but that I have to be content to do what I can do. Ranting at talking heads on television in one-sided conversations doesn't help much, and just makes me bitter.

So I decided to pray for all those people who make me angry, that they will get their eyes open to the harm they are doing. And perhaps it didn't solve the problems we all face, but it did make me feel more peaceful.

There are other things I can do that are also productive, so I think I will be looking into that. But getting mad and yelling at the image of a certain person is not productive.

At any rate, it was a nice service, and I came away from it feeling as though I learned something about myself and my world.

Comments

[shirebound]

I always try to send a good thought for people I see driving erratically or too fast, that they'll get where they're going safely (and not harm anyone). It makes *me* feel better, anyway.

[dreamflower]

*nods* When the weather is bad, or if I know a customer has driven (or is driving) a long distance, I always tell them to "Be safe", when they leave . It makes *me* feel better, and sometimes they will give me a grateful look and say "Thank you", like they are surprised I care.

[baranduin.livejournal.com]

How excellent. I always send out prayers whenever I can see an accident has happened. I'll add your example to my list of prayer triggers. Thank you!