I live in a neighbourhood, and this neighbourhood is arguably (not much argument though) the coolest little neighbourhood in Auckland, most likely New Zealand, and if so most definitely the world!
I have lived and worked within this neighbourhood for over six years now, and the more I absorb myself into this neighbourhood, the more I begin to notice the deep beauty of life along with the ugly side of humanity.
While living in this neighbourhood I have been a part of a wonderful community. This community lives, works, plays, prays, dreams, risks, disappoints, eats, drinks, and generally tries to live together the best we can, and live a life faithfully following Jesus within this neighbourhood.
Together we have been experimenting with different ways to pray together—ways which bring the neighbourhood we love into the forefront—ways of bringing the ancient scriptures to life, and in ways that meet our neighbourhood. So through this we have developed some neighbourhood Liturgy. I would love to share these with you for use within your own community.
Feel free to use these 'Neighbourhood Beatitudes' in any way which makes you to fall more in love with the neighbourhood that you have found yourself in and to engage with what God is already up to within that neighbourhood.
Peace, blessings and Love on the Journey,
Tim @ Mosaic Morningside.
Neighbourhood Beatitudes
Blessed are
(Who are the poor/lonely in your neighbourhood)
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are
(Who are those who are currently in pain in your neighbourhood?)
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are
(Who are those who society has forgotten about within your neighbourhood?)
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are
(What organisations or people are working towards justice and peace
within the neighbourhood)
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are
(Where do you see Gods' grace in a surprising place within the neighbourhood?)
for they shall be shown mercy.
Blessed are
(What places within the neighbourhood are 'pure' or 'Holy'?)
for they shows us God.
Blessed are
(What places or people are peaceful?)
for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are
(Who are those that do good/serve God, but go unrecognized or are persecuted?)
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
We are the salt of ____________,
Let us to retain our specific flavour within the neighbourhood that you love.
We are the light of _______________,
Let us to be light bearers to the neighbourhood that you love.
Let our light shine before _________________,
That they may see our good works, and give glory to our Father who is in heaven.
Blessed is _______________,
Because you have called us blessed. Lead us on your mission of Love, Mercy, and Peace to __________ through Jesus, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tim Shallard a co-director of Mosaic Workshop a shared creative space in central Auckland. He is a part owner of Crave Café, founder of a Cider company, studies theology at Carey Baptist College, runs a poetry collective. His passions include coffee, community, and people living the dream.
Tim Shallard's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-shallard.html
