I am finishing up a sermon series at my church called The Gospel According to Peanuts. It is not really based on the book of the same name, although I did use it as a resource. Each week we looked at a different Peanuts character and found insight into our faith. The six-week series focused on Charlie Brown, the seeker; Lucy, the foil; Schroeder, the artist; Linus, the sage; Franklin, Peppermint Patty, and Marcie, the friends; and Snoopy, the dreamer. You can read the sermon recaps by scrolling to 10/13/24 through 11/17/24. Here are two prayers I wrote for this series:
A Prayer of Lamentation
All: God of the front page and the funnies, we come together to recognize our common struggle captured in the pages of both. We curse the kite-eating tree. We wonder if we will ever win a baseball game. We wait in vain for the Great Pumpkin, who never shows up. We get rocks for trick or treats. We lose the spelling bee. We think this time will be the time we will finally kick the football. We mumble “Good Grief.” We shout “You block head!” Sometimes it feels like there is nothing in life but disappointment and loss. Help us to find our people and our path in the process, and give us a chuckle along the way.
(Pause for silent lamentation and prayer)
One: Prayers of lamentation can be a release. They are an expression of faith in the midst of trouble. Expressions of lament can take a load off of one’s mind and bring peace to one’s spirit.
All: Sound theology has a way of doing that. Amen.
An Affirmation of Community
All: O God, we are the Peanuts. We are frustrated seekers like Charlie. We are fierce, vulnerable, and sometimes cruel like Lucy. We are passionate and dedicated like Schroeder. We are philosophical and faithful like Linus. We are marginalized and embraced like Franklin, Patty, and Marcie, We are dreamers and dancers like Snoopy. We are complicated, messy, and full of curiosity and hope. Wrap us like a warm blanket in your love. Hold us together as we find happiness every day in Jesus. Together. Amen.
The Fat Pastor 