Liturgy

We praise you:
for the rising sun that warms us and brings life
and growth to the cold earth;
for the morning dew that freshens
the grass and flowers of the fields;

for the gathering light by which
to work to earn our daily bread.

We bless you:
for the light of Christ that casts out fear and gives us hope;
for the love of Christ that gladdens our hearts
and brings us cheer;

for the strength of Christ so we may overcome
the challenges of this new week.

And we thank you:
For those we love;
for all we will receive of your bounty;
and for your presence with us every hour, this day and always.

We worship 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.

Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
O God, shepherd to all who go astray, have mercy upon us.

We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts,
we have offended against your holy laws.
O God, sovereign ruler of justice, have mercy upon us.

We have left undone the teachings of your Son,
and we have acted on things which we ought not to have done.
O Holy Spirit, God’s advocate and guide,
speak to us and have mercy upon us.

Have mercy upon us,
spare those who confess their faults,
restore those who are humble
according to your promises declared unto mankind
in Christ Jesus, our Lord;

and grant, O Father, for his sake,
that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life,
to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.

Reflection

Who are those that are interrupting your life that need healing in their lives?
How can you purposely interrupt your own day with prayer?

Benediction

Jesus Christ,
we want always to remember
that you love us, died for us,
and rose from the dead for us.

In the next weeks, help us to remember,
and help us trust in you more and more.

May God the Father,
who does not despise the broken spirit,
give you a contrite heart.

May Christ,
who bore our sins in his body on the tree,
heal you by his wounds.

May the Holy Spirit,
who leads us into all truth,
speak to you words of pardon and peace.

In the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

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

[Photo by coffeestainsandcigarettes @ Flickr]