Build My Church - MLK Day 2016

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:13-19

Build My Church

I have built my church on the rock
the solid ground of solid faith
that sees and knows God's love
even within dank cell walls.

I have built my church on peace
solid, lasting, unshakable peace
peace that finds shelter and food for all
and works for the common good.

I have built my church and given power
to strong and weak leaders alike
some bind the hearts and hands of others
and some set my people free.

My church is the promised land
common sanctuary and holy ground
a welcome for every child and their dreams
a place of mending and reform.

I have built a church on a rock
a feeble man who fell often enough
who got up and saw the dream too
eating and living with the outcasts.

I am building my church on dreams
those of the refused and rejected
the dreams of the refugees seeking asylum
the hopes of the hungry child and mother.

I rebuild my church with broken hearts
restored by grace and my release
they will come when leaders hear the call
when people truly know the house of God.