Liturgy

Our Heavenly Father, in our days to come,
we pray these words to you.

God of Grace, in whom we put our trust,
Be our rescuer when sins ensnare,
The liberator of our souls,
The still, small voice that says,
‘Be free.’

God of Love, in whom we put our trust,
Be our joy and comfort at all times,
The source of all our thoughts and words,
The still, small voice that says,
‘Rejoice!’

God of Peace, in whom we put our trust,
Be our tranquillity in times of turmoil,
The steadying hand in raging seas,
The still, small voice that says,
‘Be calm.’

God of Power, in whom we put our trust,
Be our confidence when faith is challenged,
The sword and armor that protects,
The still, small voice that says
‘Be strong!’

We seek you,
knowing you do more than we immeasurably ask,
and we pray in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Congregational Prayer

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

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors and for those who are alone.

For our community, our nation, our world;
For all who work for justice, freedom and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

For the peace and unity of your Church, O God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel and all who seek the truth.

For the needs and concerns of our community.
Hear us, Lord; for your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown, things done and left undone;

and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflection

When was a time where you felt out of place or not at home?
How have you seen God’s rescue and restoration in your own life?

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,
of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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

[Photo by sannah kvist @ Flickr]