Liturgy

It is truly right always and everywhere to praise you,
Lord God our Father, Lover of all.

Your wind swept the waters when our world began,
and you spoke the Word that was always your Word.

Through him all things came to be,
and his life lightened every life with the light,
darkness could not swallow.

And when sin’s deadly shadow fell everywhere,
your Word came in flesh to live with us.
The world he made did not know him;
his homeland refused him.

But he fulfilled your purpose, and loved us to the end.
On the cross he handed over the Spirit of life,
flowing forever like water from a living spring.

Now all who receive Christ are children of God:
born from above, they blow through the world with your Spirit,
bearing witness for the truth of your Word,

living forth your teachings to bless all
in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Congregational Prayer

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 does influence look like for you?
What does it look like to have collective influence in Austin?

Benediction

In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,

to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to give generously to all
as Christ gave to each of us.

Let us go and live the church
in the name of the Father,
the Son
and the Holy Spirit.

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

[Photo by Andrew P- Photography @ Flickr]