Liturgy

Lord, you made all things,
and you made us in your image,
and saw that it was good.

We thank you
for your work of creation,
for the beauty we enjoy,
for human skill and artistry.

We thank you
for community, friendship and love,
for family and marriage,
for the privilege of parenthood.

And above all we thank you
for Jesus, your Son,
through whom you created all things,
and by whom you sustain them.

We thank you
that he became one of us and died
to reconcile all creation to you,
in heaven and on earth,
and to call us into peace with you.

May we take our gratitude and pour back the love
you have given us
to a world in need of hope,
and a world in need of peace.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.

Congregational Prayer

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

Eternal Lord, your grace and glory is evident if only we look closely around us.
We see them in your creation and in the redemption of all things.

Everything that has been or will be owes its
goodness and beauty to your hand.
Let everything that has breath praise you, Lord.

Yet all of creation is struggling and suffering under the weight and curse of sin.
Our hearts are in that struggle as well.
Lord, have mercy on us.

For the sins we commit against our friends, family and neighbors:
sins of pride, selfishness, and malice –
Lord, have mercy on us.

For the sins we commit against strangers:
sins of exclusion, of prejudice, of injustice and hatred of those not like us –
Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord we believe with the psalmist that our sin is ultimately against you and you alone. For our idolatry, our lust, our love of money, status, and possessions –
Lord, have mercy on us.

Restore us and let not your anger fall on us,
Favorably turn your face to us for your mercy is great.

Accomplish in each of us and all of your church the work of your salvation,
That we may show forth your glory to the world,
and proclaim of your goodness and mercy to all,

God in community, holy in One, we pray.
Amen.

Reflection

How can we show grace to those in our lives and our city?
How can we support those who live the church in different parts of the world?

Benediction

When you work,
work in strength and humility for the Lord.

When you rest,
rest in the sovereign grace of God, our Father.

And when you celebrate,
celebrate as a people with the greatest reason
for love, joy, and celebration.

Now in the grace and forgiveness of our Savior,
and in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
go in peace and live the church.
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by evanistan @ Flickr]