The pathway clear

Prayers at Morning Prayer

Bangor Cathedral, 24 May 2018

Psalm 143; Joshua 4:1–5:1; Luke 9:51–62

While all Israel were crossing over the Jordan on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan. — Joshua 3

When we hear you saying “Follow me” today

we’ll look back with nostalgia at what was.

When you send us ahead of you today

we’ll nurture the grievances and jealousies that hold us back.

When you put our hand to the plough today

we’ll be scared by the task, scared by the service that is liberty.

When we have to cross the river today

we’ll think it can’t be done, that we’ll be swept away.

God,

behind us,

ahead of us,

alongside us,

lift up our heads.

God

who’s wisdom, love and fire,

direct our gaze.

God we yearn to

know and love and follow,

stretch out your hand.

Open our eyes,

God of the Way,

to see the stream dried up,

only your presence where before there was danger,

the promise visible,

the pathway clear.