Two competing liturgies are being enacted today. One involves athleticism, salty snacks, cheap beer and GoDaddy.com commercials. The other invites church members to God’s presence to worship him and to participate in the life of the Triune God. Alas I will participate in neither. My retail job means that this Sunday I need to abandon all hope of watching the game or in joining God’s people for worship (I was asked to play and sing on my church’s worship team this week). Nevertheless I offer up this prayer, mindful of the tension of today.
Jesus today your people gather
to read and to pray and to praise.
They will hear your gospel read and
how you scandalized your people by
proclaiming that outsiders
have a place in the
heart of God.
They scoffed and picked up stones.
You were a prophet without honor.
Father, today people gather, not to read and pray
but to praise and celebrate victories
and to glut themselves on potato chips and
beer.
You are no stranger to feasting and fun
and the games men play.
Lord be with your people today
may they be filled with more joy
than chicken
wings
and may your name be glorified
beyond
superbowl rings and
funny commercials.
In the midst of our distraction,
we long for You more than
anything.
We thank you that we don’t have to watch the Patriots and
pray for your justice.
Go Baltimore.
Amen.
thoughts, prayers & songs: 
Love your prayer! There is also a prayer effort for those who partake in and those are victims of human trafficking in the vicinity of The Bowl. So – that’s something…
Thanks Sara! Sex trafficking and public sporting events are disturbing phenomenon. I remember when I lived in Vancouver Canada during the winter Olympics there was a big push to legalize prostitution. Lord have mercy!