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.

As a community of believers, Holy One,
we open ourselves to your restorative presence.

We are surrounded by beauty,
yet we often fail to wonder.
We are to be symbols of hope,
yet we often succumb to despair.
God of patience, have mercy on us.

We are blessed beyond measure,
yet we allow greed to shape our generosity.
We are uncommonly free,
yet we often bind ourselves to yesterday’s failures.
God of our past, our present and future, have mercy on us.

We are gifted and graced as a people of faith,
yet we often fail to let our light shine.
We are loved beyond measure,
yet we often fail to pass on your love unconditionally.
God of abundance, have mercy on us.

In these moments of shared silence,
encourage us to lay down our burdens,
release our fears, forgive our failures, reclaim our hopes,
and align ourselves with your profound wisdom.

All this we confidently pray
in the name of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Reflection

How can you live a life of covenant and commitment in our culture today?
What are some ways to partner with Vox using your gifts and abilities?

Benediction

Go now: wait and work for the coming of the day of God.

In the wild places prepare a straight path for the Lord.
Lead lives of holiness and godliness,
strive to be found at peace,
and speak freely of the Lord’s comfort and promise.

And may God our shepherd, gather you in loving arms;
May Christ Jesus reconcile justice and peace within you;
And may the Holy Spirit baptize you into a life with God.

Live this week 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 Astrid. @ Flickr]