Thirsting for God

Leader
Be still within and without, in touch with a remembered moment of God's presence. Center yourself in God.

All
Gracious God, may your love, like water, pour over our thirsty spirits, cleansing, refreshing, renewing us. Be present as we seek to know you, to love you, and to respond to your unconditional love for us. Amen

Allow yourself to savor the sound of the water and the light reflected though it as it is poured.

Reader 1
Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God. (Psalm 42:1)

Reader 2
My soul is thirsting for God, the living God, when can I enter to see the face of God? (Psalm 42:2)

All
All who are thirsty, come to the water. (Isaiah 55:1)

REFLECTION

What images does the word "thirst" bring to mind? What is your experience of thirst for God? Who or what quenches your thirst? For what are you thirsty?

SHARING

All
If any are thirsty, let them come to me! Let them come and drink who believe in me!

Ritual
Each of you is invited to bless yourselves with the water.

All
My God, when your love spilled over
into creation
you thought of me.
I am from love, of love, for love.
let my heart, O God, always
recognize, cherish, and enjoy your goodness in all of creation.
Direct all that I am toward your praise.
Teach me reverence for every person, all things.
Energize me in your service.
Living God, may nothing ever distract me from your love ...
neither health nor sickness, wealth nor poverty
honor nor dishonor,
long life nor short life.
May I never seek nor choose to be other
than you intend or wish. Amen