Liturgy
O God, look with compassion on the whole human family;
take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts;
break down the walls that separate us;
Unite us in bonds of love and work through our struggle
and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth;
that, in your good time and by your only Son’s sacrifice,
all nations and races may live in harmony.
Eternal Father, we praise you for sending your Son
to be one of us and to save us.
Look upon your people with mercy,
for though we are in your image, we easily fall astray.
Give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in love, to serve
and worship unabatedly.
We ask this gift, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Reflection
Is your connection with God more ideological or relational?
What does it look like to participate in what God is reconnecting in this world?
Is there a sense that your reconnection with God comes with responsibility?
What might that look like this week?
Benediction
Lord, send us away inspired, excited,
filled with a sense of love and hope
that will carry us through the week to come.
Lord, let us go forth into our city aware of all that surrounds us,
aware of all your Son, Jesus has died for,
aware of the fragility of the nature you gave us to witness,
aware of the different cultures that interest us,
and aware of our own importance within your world.
Let us go forth as your people, satisfied but eager to know more,
happy but ready to face challenges,
grateful and eager to serve,
knowing difficulties may lie ahead
but also knowing we have faith in you.
For these things we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Go in peace and live the church.
[Photo by danizmu @ Flickr]