Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

By Amanda Baker, 3rd Year, MDiv Student

THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER

(Paragraph 1) The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray

Eternal Father, when nothing existed but chaos, you swept across the dark waters and brought forth light. In the days of Noah you saved those on the ark through water. After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow. When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt, you led them to freedom through the sea. Their children you brought through the Jordan to the land which you promised.

Sing to the Lord, All the earth. Tell of God's mercy.

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In this prayer over the water we give thanks, but not for the life-giving, refreshing properties of water. Instead, we recognize the relationship of water with chaos and destruction, and we give thanks to the God who is able to bring us out of chaos. God can sweep across the dark waters and bring forth light. We recount with thanksgiving the stories of the Old Testament in which God's people enter into "new life" through the chaos of water.

As we remember our own baptisms and give thanks, we also recognize that in our baptism we agree to endure the chaos that God may bring forth new life and new light in us. That chaos may look like a Hebrew midterm, an ordination interview or the struggle to define one's calling. It may also look like the seeds of a new church plant, or the merger of older congregations. It could be a church renovation or a new outreach ministry. Whatever chaos you see in your life this season, remember your baptism, and give thanks to the God who is able to bring God's people through the waters of chaos into new life. Amanda Baker, MDiv.

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