When a Friend Sins Grievously

We love our friends,

we think the best of them until

their actions bring us up short.

The fall from high regard

leaves us dizzy and disoriented.

Esteem and trust plummet

as deep disappointment blossoms.

God, can you fathom the human heart?

Is our dismay a faint echo of your own?

 

Give us the courage of Bethlehem

to walk in this one’s shoes.

Give us the strength of the desert

to resist great temptations.

Give us the grace of Cana

to love with free abandon.

Give us the joy of Jericho,

to offer fellowship freely.

Give us the hope of Bethany

to expect new life miracles.

 

God of the here and now,

after this great fall,

from the bottom up,

empower us to be your people

loving your people.

New Book Coming Soon!

Carol Penner has written a devotional book for Lent that explores the challenges of repentance and forgiveness. Forty reflections and prayers to deepen your walk with God as you prepare for Easter.  

You can order it here!

About Carol Penner

I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.

I love to write and to lead worship! If you are finding my writing helpful, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to use or adapt the material here, it is all written by me. If printing material, please credit “Copyright Carol Penner www.leadinginworship.com” (and say whether you modified it). If publishing, please contact me for permission. Contact me at carol@leadinginworship.com

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  • Worship resources in a Mennonite voice for ears of all kinds

    Are you looking for resources for a Christian service? Feel free to use or adapt my prayers, poems and litanies. They are written in a Mennonite voice, for ears of all kinds. 

    Feel free to use these orally in a worship service (in-person or broadcasted)  , but if they are printed in a bulletin please use the following credit

    “Copyright Carol Penner  www.leadinginworship.com.”

    Contact me for use in newsletters or printed resources, I am happy to grant permission but I would like to know how my writing is being used.  You can reach me at carol@leadinginworship.com.