March 1, 2009

Liturgy Reflection & Benediction 03.01.09

Liturgy
O God, our resurrection & life,
     the promise of your new life in Christ
     is like a breath of fresh air in a dry & thirsty land.
We have gathered as believers,
     and as those who are honestly seeking the truth.
     Guide our worship this hour.
O God who makes all things new,
     speak to us as whole people today.
May your truth touch not just our intellects,
     but also our deeper yearnings of heart & soul.
We bring with us our daily concerns,
     as well as our more eternal questions.
May your new creation in us shed light upon our everyday walk.
O God who fed the multitudes with but a few loaves & some fish,
feed us now with the abundance of what you freely offer,
that we might overflow with your goodness right where we live.
All this we pray in the name of, and because of,
     Jesus our Christ. Amen.

Reflection
What aspect of your life do you hear God calling you to ‘make sacred’ this week?

What is something I’m considering giving up this lent?

How are we giving back to our community and our city?

How can I speak hope to those around me this week?

Benediction
God, who journeyed with all the disciples,
may we also be:

transformed by encountering Christ;
committed to love and be loved;
passionate about your mercy to all;
tenacious in trials and adversity;
sowers of seeds that bring a harvest of joy.

God, who journeys with us
to wherever our paths may lead:

keep us safe in your care;
nourish us on our way;
take from us all that holds us back
from loving our neighbors;
bring us with all your saints to the
joy of your kingdom here on Earth.

Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.

[Photo by ansy @ Flickr]

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