For the Gift of Expansive Joy #LetUsPray

Apologies for skipping a week, but these past few weeks have been more packed than usual. Last week our Eldest child got married (shameless photos in paid section). It was a lovely day. We had very little to do with it other than raising one beautiful human. I also began a two-month Bridge Pastor term at First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame. I dip back into congregational life a few times a year and it is always quite the ride getting back up to speed on staffing, pastoral care, and preaching.

As I reflect on these two developments in my life, I am reminded how lovely the world can be. This wedding introduced us to a new part of our family, we were given the gift of meeting our kids' extended community, and we could take a step back and be proud of this human and our child. Being back at a church, I'm reminded of the privilege it is to be someone's pastor; to hear their most tender hopes, to be present in the face of their struggles, and to gather with the people of God and strive to be the church in today's world.

I admit it: in the face of so much ugliness before us 24/7, there are times when I lose sight of the possibilities God may be revealing and allow myself to get weighed down by the suffering and struggles of the world. While I do not advocate that people ignore the ongoing groans of the world, I think it is vital that we notice the joys around us and remember that love and joy will have the last word.

It is through this unapologetically joy-colored lens of God in the world that I offer this prayer.

For the Gift of Expansive Joy #LetUsPray

let us pray —

holy one, through the smoke and haze of global turmoil
seeing, believing, and embracing joy is often difficult
the weight of suffering around us is overwhelming
and constricts our ability to believe in another way

we feel shame, remorse, and heartache
when we see abundance all around us
for laughter, while others weep
for plenty, while others scrape by
for safety, while others run for cover
for life, while others face death
and for hope, while others despair

yet, you remind us over and over again
to rejoice in each day that you have made
to see joy in hope and patience
and that joy comes in the morning

let us not hide and hoard the joys of life
let our view of you not be narrowed by our despair
and let us not turn inward while others reach out

under the brilliance and beauty of your joy,
give us the wisdom to navigate the complexities of life
give us the courage to explore the expanses of creation
give us the humility to move closer to you
and let our lives be lived in response to your joy
so others may do the same.

for these things we pray — amen.

May the rest of your week be filled with more than a few many moments of joy.

Peace,

LITURGY AND PREACHING PROMPTS

Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2026

RCL Year A Readings (NRSV): | Acts 2:42-47 | Psalm 23 | 1 Peter 2:19-25 | John 10:1-10
NL442 Readings (CEB): Acts 16:16-34 | Luke 6:18-19, 22-23

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 from The Working Preacher (NL). Paid Subscribers should please feel free to use any of the liturgical resources with or without attribution.

How Long, Oh Lord?: A Prayerbook Concerning Gun Violence

For prayers that address the epidemic of gun violence in the United States, purchase a copy of How Long, Oh Lord?: A Prayerbook Concerning Gun Violence and use promo code “BRC” for 20% off.

Purchase How Long, Oh Lord

If you find this weekly prayer and liturgy offering or any other aspects of The Amalgamation meaningful, I would not hate it if you shared the joy with others through giving Gift Subscription or purchasing a Group Subscription.