Liturgy
O God of our hearts,
You yearn to be close to us
that we might know you in every breath,
in every hope, in every relationship.
May we in turn, draw close to one another
to build your kingdom and your church.
Teach us to recognize the covenant
of justice, peace and love
you have written on our hearts.
May your desires become our desires,
your work become our work,
and our community
the place where you are sought and found.
We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Community Confession
In prayer, let us confess to God as a community.
O Lord, forgive us when we fail to remember and respond
to your call with faith.
Through your Spirit,
may we stand in the assurance of your acceptance.
Forgive us when we are shackled
by our narrow understandings of discipleship
and our clouded sense of purpose.
Through your Spirit,
may you illuminate our faith with your empowering love.
Forgive us when we lose ourselves in worrying of the future
or pull back from the demand of your calling.
Forgive us when we fail to sense your presence in our past,
to acknowledge your grace in the present moment,
and to trust you for our future.
Through your Spirit we offer ourselves in discipleship.
We join in community as your followers.
We seek renewed and renewing faith.
We remember you,
praying in the name of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reflection
How does your life match up with your proclamation of resurrection when you take communion?
When did you truly examine your heart and reflected on whether it is soft or hardened?
Benediction
Now go, all you who are loved by God,
hear his call to serve others
as he has served you;
hear his invitation to be part
of his plan to rescue the world;
and join in community with all
who walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Help us to receive Christ’s life,
walk in his strength,
and follow his ways every moment of our lives.
May God’s care embrace us,
Jesus’ words embolden us,
and the Holy Spirit’s presence renew us today and always.
We go forth 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 rachel duffy @ Flickr]