We are gathered today on the occupied territory of the Sana and Tonkawa People who have stewarded this land for generations.
Taizé Worship
Welcome to worship at Treehouse. Tonight we will worship in the style of the Taize Community in France, an ecumenical monastic community committed to peace. This style of worship is quiet and contemplative, with a “grand silence” in the middle for your own prayer, meditation, or reflection. Allow your spirits to settle into the mystery and stillness of this worship. God welcomes you here tonight.
My Soul Thirsts for God
To You All Hearts Are Open
Be Still and Know
Dona Nobis Pacem Domine
Reading Job 42:1-6
Job answered the Lord:
2 I know you can do anything;
no plan of yours can be opposed successfully.
3 You said, “Who is this darkening counsel without knowledge?”
I have indeed spoken about things I didn’t understand,
wonders beyond my comprehension.
4 You said, “Listen and I will speak;
I will question you and you will inform me.”
5 My ears had heard about you,
but now my eyes have seen you.
6 Therefore, I relent[c] and find comfort
on dust and ashes.
Reading Mark 10:45-52
46 Jesus and his followers came into Jericho. As Jesus was leaving Jericho, together with his disciples and a sizable crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, Timaeus’ son, was sitting beside the road. 47 When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was there, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!” 48 Many scolded him, telling him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, show me mercy!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him forward. They called the blind man, “Be encouraged! Get up! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his coat to the side, he jumped up and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said, “Teacher, I want to see.” 52 Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” At once he was able to see, and he began to follow Jesus on the way.
The Grand Silence
You are invited to enter into a time of silence, prayer, and contemplation. If you are unsure how to do this, you might a) try speaking to God as if speaking to a friend; b) quiet your mind by slowly repeat a phrase from one of the songs or readings from tonight; or c) allow your mind to wander back over your day, asking yourself where you felt most full of life and where you felt most drained, then considering how God was present in both of those experiences.
Prayers
Jesus Christ, Son of David, have mercy upon us!
So many days, we are like the blind beggar in Mark’s gospel,
sitting on the side of the road hoping to hear the sounds of your coming.
We are like the Canaanite woman begging for the crumbs that fall from your table.
We are like the woman who was sick for so many years
who reached out to touch the hem of your garment.
Jesus Christ, Son of David, have mercy upon us!
Have mercy upon us when we cannot see how we will make it,
Have mercy upon us when we are sick and cannot get well,
Have mercy upon us when life hardens our hearts
and makes it difficult for us to love, to heal or to forgive,
Have mercy upon us when persecution comes and when we are misunderstood.
Jesus Christ, Son of David,
we come this morning asking for strength to get to the other side,
and grace to represent you well.
We come, confident that your promise to be with us always is true,
confident that you are greater than the trials we face,
confident that we are secure in the palm of your hands.
We come to you today,
like blind Bartimaeus who sat on the side of the road to Jericho,
knowing that you love us and have not forgotten our needs.
Jesus Christ, Son of David, have mercy upon us,
And grant us your peace. Amen.
Final Prayer –
With God all things are possible.
May you carry that confidence
into your daily life and work,
as you walk in Christ’s footsteps,
guided by God’s hand.
Final song – Send Forth Your Spirit
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