Here’s
an introduction, call to worship and opening prayer for Easter 3 Year A, where
the story of Jesus’ encounter with the disciples on the road to Emmaus is
explored (Luke 24:13-35). It appears on Craig Mitchell’s Mountain Masala website.
Opening of Worship
(inspired by the events in Luke 24:13-35)
Easter
is not an event that has occurred
it's an
adventure that has begun
not a
place that we have visited
but a
path on which we stand
a story
not complete, but unfolding
characters
still breathing
stations
still teeming
with
the promise of new life
not
just for you and me
but for
all people, in all places
a
cosmic crux
a turning
point of time
Easter
is the season
of wild
hope
of
dangerous intent
of
potent promise
where
the future flaps unfurled
in the
spirit’s breeze
where
hopes bubble
with
uncorked effervescence
where
toes tap
to
free-form rhythms
where
rainbow hues
splash
empty canvas
Tonight
we
continue the journey
we
re-enter the story
to
explore our questions
to
uncover our doubts
to face
our nagging need
We walk
the path
of two
who traveled a dusty road
wrapped
in confusion and despair
two who
shared the company of a stranger
voicing
their pain
airing
their fears
and in
the listening
heard
words of hope and promise
and in
the eating
received
true bread of life
Tonight
we re-enter the story
with
expectation that Christ
will
also reveal himself to us
in
sights and sounds
in
words and symbols
in
bread and wine
Let us
pray
Risen
Christ
walk
with us this night
be our
companion and guide
be our
teacher and friend
be our
host and servant
bringing
your gifts of faith, peace and hope
and
deep joy
as
always
Amen.
~ words
by Craig Mitchell (2005) & Iona Community. In “Emmaus Worship Service,”
posted on Mountain Masala: Exploring
Spirituality, Culture, Media and Cuisine.”
http://craigmitchell.typepad.com/mountain_masala/files/Emmaus%20Worship%20Service.pdf
