Gathering: 1996 Ararat Gathering

Author: This poem was taken from the book 'Gentle Rain on Parched Earth: Worship Resources for Rural Settings'. It formed part of the Ecumenical Worship Service at the Gathering, which was led by The Rev. Pam Wyley, Minister Uniting Church in Australia- Parish of Lake Bolac.

***

Life
Brown Earth
Longing,
waiting for rain and new life.
Earth
many shades
cream grasses
orange stubble
dull green on the trees
near black soil
Over all the huge expanse of blue sky and warm sun,
Death
Dull, dry earth
Longing
Waiting for living water and new life.
Multi-coloured emotions
cream peace
orange anxiety
dull green waiting
near black fear
Over all, the huge arching, enormity of your
mysterious love, our Creator God
Leader: We pray for the land...(silence)
for our community...(silence)
and for each other...(silence)
We offer all these prayers in the name of Jesus who
taught us to pray-
Our Father in heaven
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as in heaven
Give us our daily bread,
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us,
Save us in the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory
are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.

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