Liturgy

We call you Father,
First Person of the Trinity,
Creator, Holy God, Abba.
Your name is a mystery.

We call you Jesus,
Embodiment of the Kingdom,
Wise One, Teacher, Friend.
Your name is a mystery,
and must remain a mystery.

We call you Holy Spirit,
Breath of all life,
Sovereign Guide, Mighty Fire, Everlasting.

Your name is a mystery,
and must remain a mystery
lest we imagine even for a moment
that we can control your beauty and your power.

We also call you Compassion, Mercy, Grace, Justice,
and above all, Love.
Names and attributes you show to all humanity
with abundance and without limit.

We gather in community to give thanks
and rest in the mystery of you.

Father,
Son
and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Congregational Confession

In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.

Oh God, you have made us to be free,
But we crave the cheap comforts of our chains.

You have made us to serve others,
But we have eyes only for ourselves.

You have made us to love,
But we are inflamed with lust.

You provide that we may be generous,
But we greedily hoard as if your well will run dry.

You forgive time and again,
But we hold fast to the sins of others.

You offer light for our path,
But we insist on making our own way.

You are the God who saves.
Lord, save us from ourselves.

In your great mercy,
restore and heal us,
and grant us your peace.

We pray, knowing you are
our God in community, Holy in One,
amen.

Reflection

What season of prayer are you in?
How is God inviting you into his work?
How can we pray for what God is already doing in this world?

Benediction

Finally, my friends, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable –
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me –
put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you.
(Philippians 4:8-9)

Let us go 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 Gideon Tsang @ Flickr]