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Call to Worship (based on Psalm 1)

L: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
P: but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night.
L: They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
All: for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

 

Call to Worship

L: As we draw near to God
P: God will draw near to us.
L: Let us approach God with child-like faith.
P: For God loves those who humble themselves.
L: God's arm reaches out to those who are weak.
P: God's help is near to those who are troubled.
L: Let us worship God.

 

Opening Prayer

God, you grace us with welcome into your presence and within your community. So may we offer what we receive, especially to those who might otherwise go unwelcomed. We ask, as we would live, in Jesus Christ. Amen

 

Prayer by Suzanna Wesley

You, O Lord, have called us to watch and pray.
Therefore, whatever may be the sin against which we pray,
make us careful to watch against it,
and so have reason to expect that our prayers will be answered.
In order to perform this duty aright,
grant us grace to preserve a sober, equal temper,
and sincerity to pray for your assistance. Amen.

 

Prayer for all Families on Earth

O God, you are the hope of all the ends of the earth, the God of the spirits of all flesh.  Hear our humble intercession for all races and families on earth, that you will turn all hearts to yourself.
Remove from our minds hatred, prejudice, and contempt for those who are not of our own race or color, class or creed, that, departing from everything that estranges and divides, we may by you be brought into unity of spirit, in the bond of peace. Amen.

 

Prayer for Faithfulness and Service (gospel lesson)

We bow out hearts in grateful adoration before you, Lord Jesus; you who bowed so low that you could reach out and lift us up to be with you forever.

Lord, we desire to overflow with endless praise and adoration to you for having called us, because we know that your calling is the highest calling in this life and eternity.

May we be found diligent in continuing your work here on earth; may we be serving you and others selflessly; may our right hand not know what our left is doing; may we be found faithful until the day you come back for us.

Master, instill in us a deeper sense of wonder and awe, adoration and worship, humility and service as we more keenly perceive your continuing presence and love among us through the power of your Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 

A Prayer for Wisdom
adapted from a prayer by JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE

In the name of our God who is three in one:
The Creator who calls us into existence,
The Christ who calls us to be of service to one another,
The Holy Spirit who calls us to new life,
We pray . . .

Creator God, we are gathering here today, and we do so with the awareness that without your Divine Presence at the center of our lives, and also within ourselves, our work will be empty. Grace us with your Wisdom and Vision; gift us with Humor and Humility so that not only this meeting but all our lives may be a meeting place for your Kingdom. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
 

Prayer of Intercession

As we await the full harvest of the Spirit, let us offer our prayers to God who is abundant in every good gift.

God of love, give to your church such a spirit of servanthood that our fears would give way to childlike trust and gentle regard for all people. Hear us, O God;

your mercy is great.

God of peace, conflicts and disputes are many among the nations of the world. In places of turmoil and terror, bring a harvest of righteousness and reconciliation, sown in justice and peace. Hear us, O God;

your mercy is great.

God of hope, all the woes of those in need are completely known by you. Let your compassion rest on those who are terminally ill, and on all who are sick and look for your healing (especially). Hear us, O God;

your mercy is great.

God of grace, bless the children of our congregation and all who minister among them, that we would seek to pattern our faith after their simple trust in you. Hear us, O God;

your mercy is great.

God of comfort, be near to all who grieve (especially). Strengthen all of us to commend our beloved dead to your eternal and loving home. Hear us, O God;

your mercy is great.

Teach us to pray, O God, and grant us wisdom in our asking, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

Closing Prayer

Teach me to love, Lord, as you love,
unconditional, honest, and kind.
May it be seen in my face and my eyes, Lord.
May it be simple and sincere. Amen.