Luke 12: 1-12 "Your True Self"
A prayer, in the form of a collect, based on a bible reading for today.
A collect based on Luke 12: 1-12 (Click here to read the passage)
Christ, authentic and accepting.
You told the crowds to be true to themselves, true to the wise and beautiful spirit that uniquely creates and moulds each one of us.
So, whether we’re a rave DJ, a steelwork stalwart, a eucharist back-seat sitter, LGBT, you, or me,
Help us know that we have infinite value, we are known, we are loved, just as we are.
For then we might find the courage to reveal and revel in who we truly are; standing together in celebration of our diversity and our unity.
Amen.
This prayer has some characters in it who Juliette and I met on Saturday during our weekend in Sheffield. It was our wedding anniversary. We began by attending eucharist in the cathedral. At the end of the service the Priest was very warmly speaking to a woman who clearly loves to attend many of the services but prefers not to come forward or draw too much attention to herself. Next, we visited the Steel Museum and a wonderful guide told us all about scissors, knives, files, and steam engines used in the film ‘Titanic’. We then joined in some of the celebrations at a Pride festival that was happening nearby. There was music, colour and fun with so many people enjoying a day when they could celebrate their true selves. Whilst having a pint by the river we got chatting to a couple who were older than us (just!) but still passionate about rave music, dance music and DJ’ing.
When I got home on Sunday evening and was reflecting on this passage titled “A warning about hypocrisy” and “Exhortation to fearless confession” I immediately thought about the beautifully diverse range of people we had been so fortunate to encounter on Saturday. Each was seeking to live honestly, without pretence, challenging us by there radical acceptance of the person God had made.
With peace and best wishes, Steve
This image of a star accompanying the prayer is a detail from “The Sheffield Steel Nativity” by Brian Fell which is in Sheffield Cathedral. Discover more HERE