The Clay by Ron DiCianni

The following liturgy was inspired by the idea of surrendering to God as clay surrenders to the warmth, artistry, and skill of the potter. It is made up of three hymns, Spirit of the Living God (United Methodist Hymnal #393); Have Thine Own Way, Lord (United Methodist Hymnal #382; verses 1, 4) and I Surrender All (United Methodist Hymnal #354; verses 3, 4). Amongst the hymns are a scripture, quote, and short prayer

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Surrendering to God, as Clay to the Potter

Canticle: Surrendering to God, as Clay to the Potter
ONE SINGING
Spirit of the Living God (United Methodist Hymnal #393)
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me

ALL SPEAKING: Isaiah 64:8 (NRSV)
O Lord, you are our Father
We are the clay
You are our potter
We are all the work of your hand

ALL SINGING
Have Thine Own Way, Lord (United Methodist Hymnal #382; verses 1, 4)
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

ONE SPEAKING
Sometimes I imagine myself as a stone before a sculptor from which he will carve a beautiful statue. Presenting myself before God, I ask him to form his perfect image in my soul and make me entirely like himself. – Brother Lawrence

ALL SPEAKING
Wondrous Creator,
Sculptor of solar systems, sea shells, and souls;
Reach out and form me now.
Mold me in your image and breathe into me the breath of life.

ALL SINGING
I Surrender All (United Methodist Hymnal #354; verses 3, 4)
All to Jesus, I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus, I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

Compilation © 2011 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
You are welcome to use this work in a worship setting with proper attribution.
Please contact Lisa for information and permission to publish this work in any form.