A Liturgy for the Survival of the Cast-off Wife

Leader

For the women weakened

By their own doubts and insecurities.

For the women held captive

By manipulation and deceit.

For the women bound and led astray

By my various passions.

For the women caught

In the repetitious cycle of repair.

For the women always eager to learn

But never arriving at truth.

People

I am the wife deserted.

I am the wife grieved in spirit.

I am the wife cast off

In her youth.

Leader

Lord, I was this woman. I am this woman, but she is not who I want to be.

People

Remind me of who I am in you.

Leader

Lord, when I feel abandoned,

People

Remind me that your spirit resides within me.

Leader

When I feel unloved, unwanted, and unworthy,

People

Remind me that my maker, the Lord of angel armies, is my husband.

Leader

When anxiety whispers worrisome thoughts about my children,

People

Remind me that they shall be taught by the Lord, that you have chosen my children as sons and daughters, and you will be their father. Great will be their peace.

Leader

When I am over-stimulated and overcome with terror,

People

Remind me that I will be far from oppression.

Leader

When I rise to defend myself against the slanderous talk of those I trusted and loved,

People

Remind me that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. I will refute every tongue that comes against me in judgement. For this is my heritage as a servant of the Lord and my vindication is from you, Lord.

Leader

When I feel shame in sharing my story,

People

Remind me that you are the wondrous weaver, and the tapestry of my life is gleaming with your glory.

Leader

I praise you for your protection and provision, Lord.

People

Establish me in Christ’s righteousness so that I may know peace.