Vows

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. ‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. ‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:27-37

Loving Creator you have placed us together

breathing life and constancy in every one

you call us to honor all responsibilities

and honestly commit to where we are called.

We often wander and make big promises

forgetting our people and going it alone

you will not stray but we often get lost

and think we don't need to seek your spirit.

You call us away from our selfish desires

turn us towards the ones you have given us

making reconciliation and forgiveness 

our primary work in this broken world.

Help us, Lord, to be ever faithful and true

let our lives reflect your love placed within

help us to nurture constancy in one another

so your loving truth might be witnessed among us. Amen.