Liturgy

O God of our hearts,
You yearn to be close to us
that we might know you in every breath,
in every hope, in every relationship.

May we in turn, draw close to one another
to build your kingdom and your church.

Teach us to recognize the covenant
of justice, peace and love
you have written on our hearts.

May your desires become our desires,
your work become our work,
and our community
the place where you are sought and found.

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

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us continue to worship God as a community.

We will listen to Christ Jesus, who is Genuine Love.
Love hates what is evil and holds fast to what is good.

We will love our brothers and sisters with selfless love,
striving to live with one another in community to build and serve
together the kingdom of God, here on Earth.

We will not lack in zeal, but will press on in Spirit, serving our Lord.
We will rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering and persevere in prayer.

We will contribute to the needs of one another.
We will extend hospitality to all we meet.

We will bless those who do harm to us.
We will bless them, and will not curse them.

We will rejoice with those who rejoice,
and weep with those who weep.
We will live in harmony with our neighbors.

We will not be proud or arrogant, and will associate with the lowly.
What we know, we will share, no more, no less.

We will live in peace as one body,
devoted in following the Holy Spirit,
and love as Christ first loved us.

All this we ask and do in the name of the Father,
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Reflection

What would it look like fo us to continue to abide in Christ?
How has our community been a part uour growth and formation?

Benediction

We go, committed to care for one another
as you have cradled us in your love.

We leave, confident in your mercy
and courageous in our role within our city and world,
inspiring human souls,

that at the dawn of your grace,
our youthful lives
will be spent to love and serve you,

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

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

[Photo by Evita Weed @ Flickr]