Faith Montage: The Sweeping and Unwavering Spirit #LetUsPray

First, how is it August already?

Second, I hate that there have been more shootings in the news and lawmakers are not even pretending to want to do anything about it. It's as if US society has resigned itself to a future filled with guns.

We must not go numb to or normalize gun violence as if there are no other options. We must not give up. We must not only keep pressing our legislators to have the courage to tackle the gun violence health crisis, but we must also teach and model ways to deal with anger and address conflict without resorting to violence of any kind, body, mind, or spirit.

And all the while, for our own grounding and for the Spirit who surrounds us, we must pray. I have been sharing prayers about gun violence, but if you need a prayer for your community, here is a litany, Another Shooting in America or purchase a copy of A Prayerbook Concerning Gun Violence and use promo code “BRC” for 20% off.

Seems appropriate that we move into the Spirit section on my faith montage, as it is always good to remember that the Spirit of God is always moving and always active – even in the midst of tragedy and heartbreak.

The Sweeping and Unwavering Spirit #LetUsPray

Let us pray —

The Spirit of God repeatedly sweeps over humanity leaving us inspired:
to seek God’s hopes for each of us,
to live into God’s intentions for the entire body,
and to answer the call to participate in the fulfillment of
God’s ever-revealing hopes for the world.

The Spirit invites us into relationship and conversations with God.
The Spirit encourages the quest and reveals God in the act of questioning.
The Spirit pokes and prods us to be open and aware that God is with us.
The Spirit revives, refreshes, and reminds us that God will help bear the weight of our weariness.
The Spirit is unwavering in the belief that we have the capacity to know God more.

The Spirit moves around us.
The Spirit moves through us.
The Spirit moves in spite of us.
And when we are open, the Spirit moves us.

— Amen.

May we all know healing.

Peace,

LITURGY AND PREACHING PROMPTS

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 2, 2026

The Day's Readings (Year A): Genesis 32:22–31 | Psalm 17:1–7, 15 | Romans 9:1–5 | Matthew 14:13–21
NL Summer Readings (First and Second Timothy): 2 Timothy 2:8-15 (Remember Jesus Christ, Raised from the Dead) Accompanying text: Luke 17:16-19

In writing liturgy, I attempt to be economical with words while addressing the events of the day in ways that help people find grounding in their faith. For readings, I refer to the Vanderbilt Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) and The Narrative Lectionary (NL). For Bible translations, I turn to The Common English Bible (CEB) or New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE). For more liturgy inspiration, check out enfleshed or liturgylink. Paid Subscribers may use any of the liturgical resources with or without attribution.