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.

Come with what you have.
For you who grieve this day,
know that you are invited to bring the broken pieces of your heart.
Loving one another, we will discover God’s love for us all.

Come with what you have.
For you who come with gladness,
know that your joy will bring peace.
Accepting God’s love, we are called to love one another.

Come with what you have.
For you who are weighed down by
too many “shoulds” and “what-ifs”,
know that here, you may lay down the burdens of guilt and shame.
Loving one another, we will discover God’s grace for us.

Come with what you have.
For you who have the answers,
know that new questions await you.
Accepting God’s love, we are called to love one another.

Come with what you have.
For you who come seeking, know your questions are safe
in the presence of God.
Loved by one another, we will discover God’s love for us.

Come and know our Father hears us,
come and find refuge in our Redeemer. Our Creator.
Glory to the Father, to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Reflection

What are the things that you should be asking of God?
How can you use the things that God gives you to benefit those around you?

Benediction

May the almighty and merciful Lord direct us on our journey;
May he make it prosper and maintain us in peace,
that we share his generous love
and mercy to all along our path.
May the Holy Spirit intercede and accompany us on the way,
that we live our lives to serve as Christ served all,
and breathe peace, joy and health into our homes and neighborhoods.
We go forth in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

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

[Photo by jukka_re @ Flickr]