Liturgy

We are called by God to be the church of Jesus Christ,
a sign in the world today of what God intends for all time.

To bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,

and to comfort all who mourn;
to give a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance,
that now is the acceptable time,
now is the day of salvation.

We worship now and join together in community
to praise 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.

Eternal Lord, your grace and glory is evident if only we look closely around us.
We see them in your creation and in the redemption of all things.

Everything that has been or will be owes its
goodness and beauty to your hand.
Let everything that has breath praise you, Lord.

Yet all of creation is struggling and suffering under the weight and curse of sin.
Our hearts are in that struggle as well.
Lord, have mercy on us.

For the sins we commit against our friends, family and neighbors:
sins of pride, selfishness, and malice –
Lord, have mercy on us.

For the sins we commit against strangers:
sins of exclusion, of prejudice, of injustice and hatred of those not like us –
Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord we believe with the psalmist that our sin is ultimately against you and you alone. For our idolatry, our lust, our love of money, status, and possessions –
Lord, have mercy on us.

Restore us and let not your anger fall on us,
Favorably turn your face to us for your mercy is great.

Accomplish in each of us and all of your church the work of your salvation, that we may show forth your glory to the world,
and proclaim of your goodness and mercy to all,

We pray in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Reflection

How does compassion need to be lived out in our lives?
How can we be so focused on our own pain that we’re missing being a part of God’s story of healing?

Benediction

Finally, my friends,
whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable –
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –
think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,
or seen in me – put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you.

Let us go 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 Jocelyn Catterson and Jeremy Daigneault @ Flickr]