Call to Worship (based on Psalm 46):

The earth shakes, the mountains quake — tempting our hearts to fear.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Storms rage, winds swirl–destroying schools, hospitals, homes.
Still, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Violence comes to light in our communities and violence continues around the world–causing us to wonder if our prayers for peace are futile.
Yet God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
For those mourning and rebuilding after the storms,
God is their refuge.
For those living in fear of their neighbors,
God is their strength.
For those dreading the hiss of a drone-fired missile,
God is present.
For the distraught and displaced and dismembered in Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere,
God is a very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear.
Therefore, we will lay down our weapons and worship our God.

– – – – –

*A note on the last line of the call to worship: Psalm 46:10 is generally translated as, “Be still and know that I am God.” The Hebrew term translated as “be still” (raphah) more accurately means “let drop, let go, abandon.” It is a call for disarmament, not a request for silent meditation.

For this Sunday, you might also be interested in this prayer for Memorial Day and this prayer for Moore, Oklahoma.

As always, you are welcome to use these liturgies in your own worship setting. Attribution is appreciated.