A Vessel Empty - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

No more pretence
stripped bare
on my knees
as I am, naked
a vessel empty
my past poured out
open, humbly ready

Only through his sacrifice
His Spirit giving me power
to be weak, to be filled
by your love
that I may testify
to preach, witness
to your grace, oh Lord

Convicted by you
commissioned on the cross
appointed for service
anointed for your purpose
to be poured out
a libation of your love
to the ends of the earth

June 11, 2010
written at the House of Purpose coffeehouse
June 11, 2010
Hillsboro, NH
based on earlier poem:
--------------------------------
The Spirit Poured Into Us

The power of the Spirit
poured into us
when we pour out our past
becoming a vessel empty
ready to be filled with God’s love

Sharing our lives
with the risen Christ
walking yoked right to him
conforming our steps
to the way of our Lord

Pouring out his love
to all those in need
serving rather than being served

June 7, 2010
Galatians 1:11-24
1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm 146:1-5 (Call to Worship)
Prayer of Dedication:
“Abundant God, we thank you for the jars of our lives
that are constantly being filled. We offer our gifts to you,
that others may know of your abundance and grace.
Fill the hungry with good things. Lift up the oppressed.
Watch over the stranger and comfort the lonely.
Through our gifts, may we do likewise.
In the name of Christ the Comforter, we pray. Amen”
Worship Theme: “How do our lives attract or detract people”
and sermon, “The Proof Is In the Pudding”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
June 6, 2010
Second Sunday after Pentecost

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.