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. Amen.

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

How do you show reverence for God and who He is?
What is your perspective of the things God’s given you? Do you view them as yours or his?

Benediction

Go now into the world, strengthened by the gifts
with which Christ has fed you.

Be generous to others, for Christ has given extravagantly.
Live by God’s word, avoiding lies and violence.
Walk in God’s paths and never stray.

And may God’s wonderful love be with you everywhere;
May you feed and care for those around you as
Christ Jesus feeds and cares for you with his body and word;

And may the Holy Spirit confirm the truth in you
and fill you with God’s presence always.

We go in peace to love and serve
in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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

[Photo by jukka_re @ Flickr]