Lubber Opinion

The views and opinions expressed by this lubber do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the crew. Reader discretion be advised. – Staff

A lubber sent this plea ter me in a bottle. If any of it resonates with yer spirit, I invite ya ter pray this prayer with me. When we align our will with His, mountains move. So as well do the hearts of his people.

Only one thing be needed ter fill the pews, bring people to thar knees, cause hands ter be raised, and voices ter sing with praise. Will we choose what be best?

“Few things are needed—indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better [time with me]. This will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:42)

As we consider how ter fight the evil so prevalent in our times, focus less on what we want from worship and more on what the Son wants from us.

O Lord, you said to the church in Ephesus, “You have lost your love for me.”

When we love you, we cannot help but love others, for we are filled with your Spirit and your Spirit is love. When we love our neighbor first and you second we end up loving neither, for our love will always turn inward. That is the nature of sinful man.

O, Lord, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey him, we United Methodists have sinned. We have turned away from your commands and laws. We are covered with shame because we have rebelled against you. We are scattered because of our unfaithfulness to you. All have transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you.

All this distancing, our displacement, the masking of our face and lips, has come upon us. And yet we have not sought your favor by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth.

You, O Lord, are righteous in everything you do, yet we have not obeyed you. O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath. 

Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servants. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor upon your empty sanctuaries. Give ear, O God, and hear. Open your eyes and see the despair and desolation of your people who bear the name of Christ. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.

O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, Lord, do not delay because your people bear your Name.” (Daniel 9:4-19)