Call to Prayer - June 15, 2020

Author: The Rev. Elizabeth McCord

Published Date: 6/15/2020

In difficult and uncertain times, many of us find courage by leaning into our faith. Each week, I’ll invite any of you who wish to join me in spiritual reflection. I’ll provide a written prayer, but I hope each of you will use the words, rituals or practices most meaningful and authentic for you. Please contact me if you’d like to share specific prayer requests or just check in at chaplain@carrollu.edu. You and your loved ones are in my prayers every day.

This Week's Reflection

Then the prophet Miriam, Aaron’s sister,
took a tambourine in her hand;
and all the women went out after her
with tambourines and with dancing.

And Miriam sang to them:
“Sing to our God who has triumphed gloriously;
horse and rider God has thrown into the sea.”

— Exodus 15:20-21

After prophecies and plagues, the oppressor surrendered, releasing those who were enslaved…only to pursue them again. The ancient story of Exodus is foundational to the Jewish faith, reverberates in Christian sacraments, and resides in African-American spirituals. In truth, it’s a messy story with an apprehensive leader, repeated setbacks, tribalism and violence, a grumbling “stiff-necked people” and 40 years of wilderness wandering. It seems liberation—even with God’s help—is not a quick miracle, but a long and difficult journey.

Stories of liberation and songs of freedom fuel courage and redirect us toward paths of release, recovery, justice and healing. This week, let’s be like Miriam and pray with music. Find a song that inspires you. Sing loudly in your car. Dance around your kitchen. Share it on social media. Enliven the passion within you, connect with the Sacred around you, and realign your heart with the rhythms of our shared humanity. Find hope and nourishment for the journey.

Connect with #CarrollU

Social Media Accounts