Almighty God, ruler of all creation whom we worship in liturgy and song, keep us from elevating our religion so high that it exceeds its purpose, that we would not worship ritual, law, or scripture, but that such things would ever draw us to you and your desires for us and the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who spoke to us of your heart and speaks still through the Holy Spirit. Amen. ‘So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.’ – Matthew 5:23-24 In what ways am I more concerned with religion than I am with God? What parts of religion am I most tempted to elevate beyond its station and perhaps above even the Lord? Are there things that God is pointing to that I am perhaps missing because I am preoccupied with scripture, liturgy, disciplines, or other things? What would God say to me if I gave space to listen?
Matthew R Green
PhD