category: Poetry

A New Take

By Rachael Keefe

RCL – April 29, 2012 – Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18 Something a little different this week. The headlines are full such disturbing, unsettling things. In contemplating the state of things in the world and this week’s scripture readings, I decided that …

A New Take

RCL – April 29, 2012 – Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 4:5-12
Psalm 23
1 John 3:16-24
John 10:11-18

Something a little different this week. The headlines are full such disturbing, unsettling things. In contemplating the state of things in the world and this week’s scripture readings, I decided that fewer words are better for this week.

God is my shepherd,
I shall not want.

                                      I will follow where the Spirit leads

                                      and not complain when I am out of comfort.

God makes me lie down in green pastures;
and leads me beside still waters;

                                       Even when destruction and violence surround me,

                                        I will seek God’s presence and find quiet rest.

God restores my soul.
and leads me in right paths
for the sake of God’s name.

                                        With God’s grace,

                                        I will turn away from ignorance, judgment, and vengeance

                                       and walk in the ways of advocacy, forgiveness, and                                                    reconciliation.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff — they comfort me.

                                     Economic distress, war (and threats of more), and hateful politics

                                    will not silence me.

                                    I worship a God of love who excludes no one.

                                    I can only strive for the same and trust God’s mercy.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

                                     When I am condemned, rejected, dismissed, or devalued

                                      I will recall the strength of the One whose image I bear

                                      and meet the eyes of my rejecters

                                      with integrity and honor.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of God my whole life long.

                                      If I focus on the way of loving-kindness,

                                      goodness and mercy will result

                                      and God will be well pleased.

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About Rachael Keefe

Rachael is an author, a pastor, a teacher, and a poet. Her latest book (The Lifesaving Church - Chalice Press) is on faith and suicide prevention. She is currently the pastor of Living Table UCC in Minneapolis, and has launched a spiritual direction practice.

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