We are gathering in prayer during the current worship series to a song called Better than a Hallelujah by Chapin Hartford & Sarah Hart:
God loves a lullaby in a mothers tears in the dead of night better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
God loves a drunkards cry, the soldiers plea not to let him die better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
We pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody beautiful the mess we are the honest cries of breaking hearts are better than a Hallelujah.
The woman holding on for life, the dying man giving up the fight are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
The tears of shame for what’s been done, the silence when the words won’t come are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
We pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody beautiful the mess we are the honest cries of breaking hearts are better than a Hallelujah.
Better than a church bell ringing. Better than a choir singing out,singing out.
We pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody beautiful the mess we are the honest cries of breaking hearts are better than a Hallelujah.
As we reflect on the vocations to which God calls us, as we notice where our deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet, what prayers arise within us?
For opportunities to study and learn from others, for the mothers who have shaped our lives and watched over us in love, for those who travel to reconnect with family and friends…we give thanks.
For those who feel the painful absence of their mom this week, for all those who have lost loved ones, for those who struggle to find joy, for families separated, for people without work who too easily feel without purpose…God in your Grace, bring healing and bring hope.
For what else do the people of God pray this week?
Table Manna 
For healing – with injuries that require 6 months of recovery, like an ACL repair or with illnesses that still have no cure, like breast cancer.
For patience and peace in the midst of whatever our storms might be.
For the willingness to do what God calls us to do.
For the spaces we gather in, that they continue to help us interact, connect and allow us to just “be” – be broken, be honest, be funny – just “be”.
My favorite like – “beautiful the mess we are…”
Have a great week everyone!