Living Water

A river baptism in the South, depicted in a postcard that was mailed in 1912. Source: Black Postcards

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”” Luke‬ ‭3:21-22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let Us Pray

Lord we thank you for the opportunity to bathe in the beauty of your holiness. We thank you for Mother Earth, her rich fragrance, her cleansing and soothing waters that refreshes and renews us.

We thank you Almighty God for washing our stains and pouring out blessings we hope to receive. Yet, we hardly conceive and believe that we will achieve these gifts. For we are blessed by your presence and blessed because of your loving grace.

Thank you Father for sheltering us from the storms that threaten to drown us and overtake our hope. Thank Merciful God for carrying us through murky waters when our fear is high and our confidence is low.

O Lord baptize us in the spiritual waters that are present and part our life journey. Fresh water, still water that sits on the waste and rubble that weighs us down.

Holy One, restore our faith and trust in the unseen Divine Spirit that parts the seas, hems the high tides and guides us above the turbulent waves in our lives. Gracious God we pray for all who are grieving, all who are fearful and all who need assurances that we are not drowning. Just as we are lowered into unknown waters, we rise drenched, we rise with fresh eyes and we rise as if out of the womb.

We open our mouths and cry out ABBA! MaMa! ABBA! We cry Alleluia!

Through our tears we awaken as drenched souls ready to live for your glory. With our wet bodies we claim our purpose and connect with Your will. We are determined to live as your servants. Servants of the Most High God!

Glory to God! Glory to God! To God Be the Glory! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.