An Empty Vessel

"Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled." Martin Luther

Rounded surfaces and undulating forms, 

glazed in reflecting hues 

or fired to rustic textures reminiscent of earth’s original character.

The aesthetics of pottery captivate the human sou.

We are inspired by the act of creation watching the potter at her wheel, 

hands sliding wet against luminous clay, 

guiding shape out of formless matter. 

The art, the shaping,  

a metaphor for our own creation from  God’s loving hands. 

The shapes and purposes of every vessel as numerous as grains of sand.

~

"Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled.  My Lord,fill it.  

I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.  I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor.  I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and I am unable to trust you altogether.  O Lord, help me.  Strengthen my faith and trust in you.  In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have.  I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor.  I am a sinner; you are upright.  With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.  Therefore I will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give. Amen”        
Martin Luther

~

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.

                 Lyrics by Adelaide Pollard, 1907

~   

But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; 

and we all are the work of thy hand.

Isaiah 64:8

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