Earth, Wind and Fire

You make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers.
Psalm 104:4

Sometimes it all depends on your perspective. When we were discussing possible verses for our women's retreat, this verse from Psalm 104 was one that was listed. Part of choosing the right verse for the retreat means that you can expand the verse into a theme. To me it had beautiful imagery and implied power to share our faith with others, with a secondary benefit of having wonderful possibilities for the artwork, publicity and gifts. All together it seemed quite reasonable and perhaps even a favorite! However, our seminary student took umbrage because all she could see in her mind was one of a minister being tarred and feathered with fire lapping at her heels. No, this was not even a remote possibility in her esteemed opinion. Did she even pound the table with her shoe? Was this going to be another United Nations moment of incompatibility? Well no, I stretched the truth a bit, because actually we all got a huge laugh when we stopped reading with our own interpretation of the verse and looked again using the emphasis that she understood as most important. But there are issues that can't as easily be swept aside.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, we know that we all read the Bible with different perspectives, different histories, and different goals. Help us to set aside our prejudices and opinions and be open to hear and discuss other ideas. Help us to understand your words through an honest interpretation of study. Curb our tongues to share our ideas without demeaning others, for words can hurt to the quick when used unwisely and selfishly. Form the words in our mouth that soothe, heal and offer compromise. When we find ourselves at moments of impasse, give us the wisdom to have patience, and allow your will to come to the top. Help us to be humble and gracious, willing to admit mistakes and laugh at our shortcomings. Use us like the wind to carry your message throughout the lands, and may we act as ministers who burn, not from flames of discord, but with an ardor to make your will be known in our lives and in the life of this congregation. Amen.