Liturgy

Come into this sacred space to worship our God
whose teaching is perfect;
whose directions are sure.

Come into this holy place to worship our God
whose standards are right;
whose commandment is clear;
whose judgements are true.

We come with holy fear –
to be given life, and made wise,
to have our hearts stirred and our eyes opened wide.
Come — let us worship our God.

Let the words of our mouths and the whispering of our hearts
be pleasing to you.

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

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.

Your glory, O God
is declared in the holy silence of the heavens,
and told in the silent succession of day and night.

No speech, or word or voice is heard;
yet it is spoken to all the world,
and your words reach to the ends of the earth.

The sun joyfully leaps across the sky,
from one end of the heavens to the farthest reaches,
and nothing is hidden from its heat or light.

Nothing that we do or say or whisper in our hearts
is hidden from you, Lord God.

Release us from darkness we hide deep within our lives.

Let our lives be radiant with holy fear;
delighting in your teaching,
receiving insight from your commandments
and wisdom from your encouraging.

Enliven our desire for your everlasting judgements
over wealth or fame:
to enjoy the abundance and richness of community,
that is found in a right relationship with those around us,
and with you.

May our thoughts and our words be praise unto you,
worshipping in one voice our God in community, holy in One.
Amen.

Reflection

How can we see the beauty and artistry of God in our enemies?
How can we submit ourselves to Scripture so that we can experience the person of God?

Benediction

Go now, with God’s foolishness and weakness
as your only wisdom and strength.

Proclaim Christ crucified,
and seek riches only in the love of God’s Word
and in zeal for God’s house.

And may God’s just demands be your nourishment and delight.
May Christ be the power and wisdom of God to you.
And may the Holy Spirit keep you, thought and word,
in God’s good grace.

So go forth this week to love and serve
in 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 perfect.tommy @ Flickr]