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As Rachel Mourned the Children

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: As Rachel mourned her children Lyrics: As Rachel mourned her children King Herod sent to die, good people stood there, silent, and no one questioned why, why children had to suffer to save a king his throne, why people stood by watching, and let them die alone. In every town and city the Herods of our day ignore the needs of children, so they can have their way. Good people still stand silent, few dare to pay the price; and mothers still are weeping at each new sacrifice. Above their cries of anguish a child's voice can be heard, the stable-child of Mary, God's living, loving Word: "Your children thirst and hunger. Now, tell us, tell us why You let the Herods triumph And sentence us to die?" Forgive us, Holy Jesus, we did not see you there among the countless children committed to our care. Stir us to break our silence to give your love a voice, till every weeping mother has reason to rejoice. Topics: Children Christ among the children whose needs are ignored today; Children Prayer for awareness of needs of children today Scripture: Matthew 5:6 Used With Tune: HEROD'S LEGACY

Up to the Temple One Fine Day

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 8.8.8.8 Appears in 1 hymnal Lyrics: Up to the Temple one fine day went one who thought he knew God's way. This Pharisee, so tall and proud, with arms upraised, prayed thus aloud: "How glad I am to be unique! I'm strong where other men are weak. I fast and tithe at your command, and walk with you, God, hand in hand." Then standing humbly far away, with no such righteous resume, a tax collector bowed his head, "Forgive me, God, I've sinned," he said. Up to the Temple one fine day went two who thought they knew God's way, but Jesus said, in God's true sight, the right was wrong, the wrong was right. God, should we come to you in pride, remind us of our sinful side, that all who worship in this place might seek and find forgiving grace. Topics: Prayer Pride vs. humility Scripture: Luke 18:9-14 Used With Tune: WHEATON

We Walk Today in Darkness

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Appears in 2 hymnals First Line: We walk today in darkness, Lyrics: We walk today in darkness, each waiting for the light of Love that works for justice and seeks to make things right. We wait, sometimes forgetting we do not wait alone, that others long for justice and blessings yet unknown. We walk today in darkness, our purpose unfulfilled. We do not do for others the good that God has willed. We do not offer kindness to those who wait in need, nor justice to our neighbors in every word and deed. We walk today in darkness, our vain hearts filled with shame. We follow our own footsteps and not the Spirit's flame. Self-love bedims our vision, self-interest clouds our sight, and good intentions vanish like shadows in the night. Lord Jesus, light our darkness; with joy dispel our gloom. Prepare us to receive you, and in our lives make room for humble, loving-kindness, for just and honest ways, that we might walk together in Love-illumined days. Topics: Prayer Paraphrase of General Confession Scripture: Isaiah 9:2 Used With Tune: BARDSLEY

When It Seemed that Love Was Dying

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 8.7.8.7 D Appears in 1 hymnal First Line: When it seemed that Love was dying, Topics: Jesus Burial and Resurrection; Mary Magdalene Burial and Resurrection of Jesus; Joseph of Arimathea Burial of Jesus; Nicodemus Burial of Jesus; Death and Resurrection Responses to Scripture: Matthew 27:55-61 Used With Tune: KRISTA'S TUNE

When People Learned of Jesus Christ

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 8.6.8.6 D Appears in 1 hymnal Lyrics: When people learned of Jesus Christ, they came to hear him preach. They longed to find out for themselves what Jesus had to teach. They pondered over parables, and gave his words much thought, but what they most remembered was the love that Jesus taught. He turned the water into wine and multiplied the bread, becalmed the heavy, stormy seas, and even raised the dead. The people wondered at the signs and miracles he wrought, but what they most remembered was the love that Jesus taught. He answered scribes and Pharisees who would with him contend. He healed the sick, the blind, the lame, and was the sinners' friend. They marveled at his prophecies, the healing that he brought, but what they most remembered was the love that Jesus taught. We may not work a miracle, fulfill a prophet's role, encourage sinners to repent, or make the wounded whole, but, as disciples, we can tell we've found what all have sought: the never-ending love of God, the love that Jesus taught. Dear God, at home, at work, at school, in all of life, we pray, help us be teachers who reveal your love for us today, that all the world may recognize the spirit that is caught when his disciples try to live the love that Jesus taught. Topics: Jesus as Master Teacher and role model; Jesus Ministry of preachingm teaching, healing, and miraculous acts; Christian Community Role as teachers following Jesus' model Scripture: Matthew 23:8-10 Used With Tune: DEDICATION

The People Came from Everywhere

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Meter: 8.6.8.6 D Appears in 2 hymnals Lyrics: The people came from everywhere to hear the Teacher's news. The blind, the lame, the poor were there, encouraged by his views. But those who brought the children near were quickly sent away: â€œThe Teacher's far too busy now. Don't bother him today. When Jesus saw the children turn, their faces long and glum, he told his friends, "When will you learn that little ones must come?" He chided them indignantly, "God's love can't be denied! Let all the children come to me and sit here at my side." "The holy realm of God belongs to children such as these, who trust that God will right all wrongs, forgive, and bring us peace. If you would also now receive the love that never ends, come as a trusting child, believe in all that God intends." As once you took your hands and blessed the children on their way, now bless us, Jesus, in our quest to find your love, we pray. We long to feel your warm embrace, and hear your kindly word, that in the presence of your grace our faith might be assured. Topics: Jesus and Children; Children Faith model for adults Used With Tune: CHILD'S PLAY Text Sources: "The People Came from Everywhere" (anthem)