Liturgy

Christ Jesus,
we come into your presence
from many different places.

We come with songs of joy
and shouts of gratitude.
We come carrying heavy burdens
and sighs of suffering.

As you welcome us into your house,
lift our burdens
and receive our praise.

Bind us together,
that we may be at peace with one another
and be strengthened to go forth
in service to the world.

We pray 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.

God our Father,
in your love, you welcome us as your children,
with your mercy you hear our prayers.
Hear us, your children,
as we come before you in worship.

Jesus, our risen Savior,
in our weakness, you call us,
in our confusion, you teach us,
in our troubles, you offer us peace.

Speak to us, your children,
as we come to hear your word.

Spirit, Living One,
in the beginning, you breathed life,
in chaos and darkness, you brought hope,
in many tongues, you spread good news.

Transform us, your people,
as we open our minds and hearts to you.

God, Loving Father, Son and Spirit,
we know we come with doubts, fears and in ignorance.
We know we have failed you in many ways.

Trusting in your love, we turn again to you.
As we open our hearts to your mercy and forgiveness,
grant us your peace.

Accept our prayers,
accept our worship,
accept us as we are,
and change us through your love,

We pray to you, our God in community, holy in One.
Amen.

Reflection

How does being adopted into the family of God shape our relationship with God and others?
How can we be involved in serving the orphans and the fatherless in our city?

Benediction

Go now into the world,
inspired by the radiant love of God.
Live generously, with open hands,
loving one another as if your lives depended on it.

Be good stewards of the gifts you have received,
so that God may be glorified in all that you say and do.

And may the abundant love of God surround you,
may the extravagant grace of Jesus Christ sustain you,
and may the constant presence of the Holy Spirit
inspire and encourage you in every good deed and word.

Live this week praising 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 Maddie Joyce @ Flickr]