Liturgy

Long ago, at different times and in various ways,
God spoke to our ancestors through the Hebrew prophets.

But in these last days,
we have heard God’s voice through His Son, Jesus Christ,
who has been given dominion over all things
and through whom all worlds were made.

He is the One who sustains all that exists through the power of His word.
He is the One who once made the offering that purified us from our sins.
He is the One who sits at the right hand of God.

He is the One we have come to worship
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.

O God,
we live our lives as best we can—
dealing with difficult relationships and situations,
putting failures and disappointments behind us,

and moving into each new day
with as much energy, goodwill,
and optimism as we can muster.

But here, right now,
we seldom have the right answers,
we seldom seek your higher wisdom in our lives.
We just move ahead.

Forgive us for not asking for your insight.
Fill us with your wisdom,
that we may live lives
of goodness and peace.

We pray for mercy
in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior,
who lives to intercede for us,
God in community, holy in One.
Amen.

Reflection

In what ways do we demand for God to be on our side instead of realizing that God is on God’s side?
How can we be less concerned with our rights and more concerned with God’s calling?

Benediction

Now, go forth from this place
with renewed inspiration to do the work of God.

Seek good, not evil,
love goodness, and establish justice.

This the greatest offering we can make;
letting justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

So go from here with joy and confidence
to love and serve the Lord.

For the blessing of God,
the love of Jesus Christ,
and the presence of the Holy Spirit
goes with you. Amen.

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

[Photo by getweird @ Flickr]