Voice From Heaven

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17 

Voice From Heaven

Gracious Creator you know us each
you speak our names over the waters
you call us to service even while we sleep
we are tender creatures of your creation.

We have come today to the water's edge
the chilly waters are deep and disturbed
we fear the baptism we must all have
yet these are dangerous, foreboding times.

We need to hear your voice of comfort again
reminding us that we are beloved and wanted
that we are safe and held in your tender hands
that we can still be useful in this weary world.

Empower us with you strength as we are weak,
encourage us with you promises as we forget
fill us with your joy even in death's shadow
and make us your loving servants for this time. Amen