Liturgy for Gathering Around a Campfire

Life Stuff

We gather around this campfire circle.

We lay the wood and ask You to join us, Lord.

We have no life unless You light our spirits.

So touch us with Your quickening life, O Flame.

The firelight glows on each precious face;

Mirthful voices join the lively snap of twigs.

Thank You for this assemblage, Lord.

Thank You for the joy and anticipation that attends our gathering.

May our conversation be about Your goodness

And bring glory to You, the Light.

As radiant sparks rise to the clouds,

So may our adoration rise to You.

If we make music, if we laugh,

May the sound be a song that pushes back

Against the darkness of the night.

We feed the fire that it may not die:

Let this nurturing be an invitation to all that is bright.

Feed us, O Lord.

Thank You that even when our faith withers to a mere wisp,

You prod and fuel us till we glow again;

You tend our little fires gently.

The warmth of this campfire shuts out the cooling air around us;

This circle of people draws us in and we belong.

Thank You for this belonging, Lord.

Let us not take this community, this inclusion, lightly.

Help us welcome others to its warmth.

And when life here is over,

And we drift up and fade from sight,

May we be extinguished here

Only to burn anew

In the all-encompassing atmosphere

Of You, who are warmth and joy and everlasting light.