Liturgy

This is what we have come to know,
this is what we have heard:

the Eternal is an everlasting God,
Creator of heaven and earth,
who does not grow weary or faint;
whose wisdom is unsearchable,
giving energy to the meek
and strength to those who have none.

Even youths shall faint and grow weary,
young athletes shall fall exhausted;
but those who love the Lord Jesus
and patiently put their trust in God,
shall renew their strength;
they shall soar with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not weary,
they shall walk and not faint.

This is what we know, and why 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.

All-powerful and all-glorious God,
We have not been faithful to you in thought, word, or deed;
hear us as we call out to you in our weakness.

We read in your word that you are the one true King,
but in our decisions and actions,
we pledge allegiances to lesser kings.

We know that your story
is indeed good news for all humanity,
yet we so often fail to share with others
the reason for the hope that is within us.

Sovereign God, forgive us of our wrongs.

Have mercy on us,
soften our hardened hearts
and reform us by your Holy Spirit,

that together, we may learn to be a blessing to all
with the new life you offer through Jesus Christ, our King.

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

Reflection

Is the presence of God an inconvenience for you or do you see it as something worth pursuing and sacrificing for?
In what areas of our lives does the presence of God confront our obedience?

Benediction

May the peace of God
which is beyond all our human understanding, be upon you,

May the peace of Christ
which breaks down barriers, be within you,

and may the peace of the Holy Spirit
which creates true fellowship, be among you.

That you may love, serve and work for our Lord
throughout this week in joy.

We ask 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 TROY R HEWITT @ Flickr]