The story of Ezekiel and the dry bones begins with the feeling of hopelessness and desolation. It's the experience of exile and domination that so many people around the world have faced and are facing right now. It's not just the current pandemic that leaves people in deserts of dry bones, but people living under colonialism, racism, homelessness, and environmental degradation are all fighting to make the dry bones in their communities live. Ezekiel's message calls attention to the different ways of living together that don't rely on taking advantage of those who are already vulnerable and at risk, but are centered on justice -- on taking care of each other. We do not sacrifice to secure profits, but sacrifice for the lives and the well-being of one another.
"Let Justice Roll Like a River": Words & Music: Marty Haugen ©1991 GIA Publications. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-730247. All Rights Reserved
“Ezekiel 37:1-14” are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved.
During our prayers, Rita shared a prayer she has written for this moment in our world:
Sunday Prayer
In the time before us,
In the time within us,
In the time among us,we hold our lives
in new ways
with our God
ever-present
ever-longing
to lean with us
into unavoidable unknowns.God, you are still speaking
as we question everything.You are minding us
in the tedium,
embracing us
in the weariness and waiting,
shadowing the shadows
of our doubt and judgment
with your tender acceptance.In this time of distance
shepherd us from illusions
of being apart from one another.In this great pause
let the song of your morning bird
do what it wants to do
for our souls.Moisten our hearts to extend and receive compassion.
Freshen our resolve to stand with the stranger.
Nudge us from apathy and indifference.Steady us in our deepest fears.
Ready us to love in the moment.As you are, so we must be.
We belong to you, you belong to us
now and forever.Amen.
To close our worship, we sang along with Emma’s Revolution and their song “Better Days,” which you can find here. After worship we also celebrated March birthdays!
