Worshipful Work
by Susan Jackson Dowd
and Ellen S. Newbold
 Presbyterians
begin every meeting with prayer. Sometimes this feels like paying
our respects to God, then getting on with the business. But members
of Presbyterian Women, at every level of the organization, seek
to acknowledge that God is with us while we attend to the business-in
the decisions we make, the prayers we offer and the programs
we plan.
During the 1997--2000 triennium, the
Churchwide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women (CCT/PW) committed
itself to a program of worship and work based on the understanding
that all we do is a response to the glory and goodness of God.
This commitment to "worshipful work" continues with
the 2000--2003 CCT/PW and has been expressed in a new resource:
Gathering to Work and Worship, which was produced by Presbyterian
Women and is available from Presbyterian Distribution Service
(PDS) by calling 800/524-2612 and requesting PDS #PWR-01-115;
$3.50.
Using the Christ Candle
One simple reminder of this worshipful
approach to our work is incorporating a Christ candle into every
meeting, large or small. Open each meeting with the lighting
of the white Christ candle and a reading from scripture. The
candle burns throughout the time of the meeting-a visual reminder
of God's presence. It is extinguished when adjourning for meals
and lighted when reconvening after the meal. At the end of your
meeting or the close of the day's events, the candle is extinguished
and prayers are offered to God. (Note: A large candle will burn
for an extended period of time. A hurricane globe or glass cover
will provide a measure of safety. Never leave a lighted candle
unattended and be aware of regulations facilities may have regarding
candle lighting.)
The Christ candle, lighted after reading
a scripture passage related to the meeting's theme, acknowledges
the light that Jesus brings to the world. Some suggestions of
scriptures include John 1:3b--5; John 8:12; Psalm 37:1; Psalm
119:105; Isaiah 60:1. All highlight Christ's presence with
us. Others can be found in a Bible concordance or consider using
the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study.
Scripture and Prayers Related
to Esther's Feast
Opening Scripture
Esther 1:10--12
Prayer
(from Esther's Feast, page 11)
Gracious God, you promised that you would be with us always,
and we are grateful. Be with us now, we pray, and give us open
minds and hearts to receive the teaching of your word through
the power and presence of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, we
pray. Amen.
Closing Scripture
Esther 1:20--22
Prayer
(From Esther's Feast, page 10)
God whose reign is greater than all the great empires of the
earth, whose love extends to all, open our eyes to see beyond
appearances. When the solemnity of status becomes pompous emptiness,
give us insight to recognize its folly. Make us unafraid of the
powers that be. Give us sober minds, but mirthful hearts, to
name both courage and cowardice, oppression and freedom for what
they are, and thereby to help bring your reign of liberty into
the world. Amen.
Read more of this and other
great articles in the current issue of Horizons.
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