Liturgy
Father of light,
in you is found no shadow of change
but only the fullness of life and limitless truth.
Open our hearts to the voice of your Word
and free us from the original darkness
that shadows our vision.
Restore our sight that we may look upon your Son
who calls us to repentance and a change of heart,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Congregational Prayer
O Lord of Grace,
The world is before us today,
and we are weak and fearful,
but we look to you for strength;
If we venture forth alone we stumble and fall,
but on the Beloved’s arms we are held firm.
If we were left to our own treacherous hearts,
we would bring shame to your name,
But if guided and upheld by your Spirit,
We will bring you glory.
Lord of mercy, be the arm that supports us,
our strength to stand,
our light to see,
our shield to protect,
and our sword to repel the enemy.
We know that all loving-kindness is in your Son,
and we plead his blood to pay our debts.
By the power of your holy spirit,
accept his worthiness for our unworthiness,
his sinlessness for our sin,
his purity for our uncleanliness,
his humility for our pride,
his obedience for our rebellion,
his glory for our shame,
his death for our lives.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reflection
What does your distant country look like?
What areas in your life do you try to control?
How might we be both the older and younger son?
Do we allow God to celebrate us?
Benediction
May the God of creation breathe on you,
May the God of all life sustain you,
May the God of all gods grant you forgiveness.
Go into this week knowing your life
has been touched by the triune God.
You are cleansed by the mercy of the Father.
You are surrounded by the love of Christ.
You are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Go in peace and live the church. See you throughout the week.
[Photo by George Goodnight @ Flickr]