Sunday Prayer

After weeks of preparation, tomorrow is the day we celebrate my father-in-law's 50th anniversary of his ordination. I think everything is ready. Sandwiches - check. Cake - check. Flowers - check. Pictures - check. Certificates from Important People - check. Liturgy - check. Sermon - check. Me - well... Perhaps you have had Sunday's like this one, when it was a special day and you wanted everything to go smoothly. If so, you will understand my need to lean on the Spirit tonight.

Holy and Wondrous God, it has been a very long time since I've been nervous about a worship service. I usually get prepared for Sunday morning by focusing on the holy task of leading worship. As I put the final touches on the sermon, that focus begins and the feeling I tend to have is not one of anxiousness or nervousness, but reverence. I am aware of the privilege of preaching and I honour it weekly by preparing my heart accordingly.

But tonight, God, it's different. I feel like I did in my first field placement church -- with free-floating feelings of inadequacy swirling around in my mind. Tomorrow's worship is special and I want to get it right. Help me God to let go of the anxiety and trust in the Spirit.

Fill me with your Spirit, entrust me with your Word, and lead me out to proclaim the good news in our worship, for it is an offering of ourselves to you. In word, song, silence and praise we will come before you, and by your grace, O Holy One, it will be good. Amen.