Liturgy

Every generation has found its home in you,
God our provider,
and we discover that every moment
spent in your holy presence lasts beyond all imaginable time.

You watch over us in the night,
protecting and leading,
encouraging us to trust and to take courage
in following your Son’s teachings.

Full of wisdom, Creator of grace,
you humbled yourself that we might learn
to love those who have been swept aside
by a world caught up in its own selfish affairs.

Witnesses to God’s mercy,
we are called to act in ways of love and of peace
to all we meet in this life.

Thank you for giving us your Son, Jesus, and for his life.
Continue to be the dwelling place
of our minds, our hearts and our souls.

We ask 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.

Merciful God,
forgive us when we are paralyzed
by confusion and doubt.

Strengthen our faith,
that we may not only believe,
but may be filled with the power to help and heal.

When others reject or refuse our ministry,
help us to be forgiving and grace-filled.

Grant us the courage
to accept those things that cannot be changed,
that we may be freed from anger and resentment.

Forgive us when our disappointment
clouds our wisdom and confuses our actions.

Guide us on this path of servanthood,
that we may be filled with the joy of our ministry.

May our worship reflect your goodness.
May we respond to you with our heart, soul and mind.

We ask these things in the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Reflection

Who are the friends in your life that challenge the lie that life is about me?
How can we commit to friends who have committed to God and His mission?

Benediction

Go now, and wherever people will hear you,
proclaim the life-changing love of God.

Do not fear your weakness,
for when you are weakest, Christ’s strength is known.
Travel lightly, live simply,
and honor those who welcome the gospel.

And may God be your protection and safe haven;
May the power of Christ Jesus dwell in you;
and may the Holy Spirit be your guide forever.

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

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

[Photo by NettyA @ Flickr]