Liturgy
We are called by God to be the church of Jesus Christ,
a sign in the world today of what God intends for all time.
To bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and to comfort all who mourn;
to give a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance,
that now is the acceptable time,
now is the day of salvation.
Congregational Prayer
God of life and all living things,
your breath fills the universe and brings it alive;
We praise You, O God, for the gift of your Spirit
Your love shines through all creation and makes it one;
We praise You, O God, for the gift of Your Spirit
Your presence fills every corner,
your voice fills every silence,
and your heartbeat lives within every living thing;
We praise You, O God, for the gift of Your Spirit
Yet, we often fail to value the life of other people,
other creatures and the world you have given
to be our home.
Lord, forgive us
We often fail to recognize the connectedness of all things,
and bring pain through division, exclusion and selfishness.
Lord, forgive us
We often deny your presence, ignore your voice
and forget your love for us and all that you have made.
Lord, forgive us.
Father, we remember your mercy
and look to your Son for forgiveness.
May your Spirit breathe new life into us, empower us,
and guide our steps this day and forever.
We ask in the name of the Father,
the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reflection
How was God’s presence apparent around you this week?
How can you acknowledge God’s presence around you this week?
What has the Spirit been speaking to you?
Benediction
Go now, rejoicing in God
and delighting in all he does.
Stand firm in the grace found in Christ
so that in suffering,
you may grow in endurance, character and hope.
May God crown you with glory and honor;
May Christ Jesus bring you into the mercy of God;
and may the Holy Spirit
pour love into your hearts and guide you,
that you may serve and bless those around you
as Christ has blessed all with life abundant.
Go in peace to live the church,
in the name of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.
[Photo by rhinozaur @ Flickr]