Liturgy

Breathe In, Breathe Out: A Liturgy for the 4th of July

This liturgy was collectively written and produced by members of the Missio Alliance Team.

Listen to this article as a contemplative reading:


Movement 1

We pause.
We cease our movement.
Center our weight and take note of our body.
Breathe in. Breathe out. You are God. You are here.
Breathe in. Breathe out. You are God. You are here.
Hold onto the Presence. Release the fear.1

 

Movement 2

Gracious God,
empower us by your Spirit to listen to the cries of those
who hunger desperately for you
while simultaneously being harmed by those who claim your name.
May we sit with them in their pain, and join hands with them
as we seek your love and wisdom together.2

 

Refrain 1

Breathe in (You are God).
Breathe out (You are here).

 

Movement 3

May we truly remember that invitation is better than declaration:
that we might taste and see that you, God, are good,
and there is no good apart from you.
May we be single-hearted, of one mind,
and wholly focused on this one thing:
journeying towards the Kingdom.
May we be a people defined by what and who we’re for, not by hate,
not by division,
not by a cycle of endless revenge.

Rather, might we unapologetically claim that
we are ministers of reconciliation, healing, and wholeness.3

 

Movement 4

May we rejoice in earnest today for the liberties that we experience,
and with that same whole-heartedness resolve once again
to work towards full freedom and true justice for all.4

 

Refrain 2

Breathe in (You are God).
Breathe out (You are here).


1  Contributed by Sarah Schepens, Operations & Events Strategist.
2  Contributed by Carol Cool, Editorial Coordinator.
3  Contributed by Justin Heap, Director of Content & Resource Development.
4  Contributed by Lisa Rodriguez-Watson, National Director.

 

Tip the Author & Support Our Ministry!

Thank you for supporting this author and Missio Alliance’s ministry of online publishing! All our authors graciously volunteer their time and expertise in creating resourceful articles such as this. Your generosity makes it possible for their voices and perspectives to reach and influence Christian leaders all around the world.
 
From #GivingTuesday (Nov. 27) through the end of the year, half of any donation you make will go directly to this author while the other half will support Missio Alliance and our Writing Collective platform in particular. 
 
Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated! 
$
Select Payment Method
Personal Info

Credit Card Info
This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

Billing Details

Donation Total: $5

Share This


Print Friendly, PDF & Email