Liturgy

Almighty and ever-present Father, 
your watchful care reaches from end to end and orders all things in such power 
that even the tensions and the tragedies of sin cannot frustrate your loving plans. 
Help us to embrace your will, give us the strength to follow your call, 
so that your truth may live in our hearts and reflect peace to those who believe in your love. 
We proclaim this 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.

In the lives of neighbors who suffer brokenness and pain:
We confess you are still speaking!

In the struggle of the poor whose rights are not honored:
We confess you are still speaking!

In a world crying out for wisdom, love and mercy: 
We confess you are still speaking!

In a world calling for the blessing of truth:
We confess you are still speaking!  Bless us to hear!

Let us confess together:
We confess that in our lives we often hide behind 
our work and play, schools and jobs, fun and fashion.  

We let ourselves get so busy 
that we forget the cause of the poor and the suffering. 

We confess we allow the powers of this world 
to seduce us into selfishness 
and silence our witness.

Teach us to champion the cause for justice for all, 
strengthen us to love our neighbor 
and speak truth no matter the penalty.  

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

Reflection

What does empathy look like lived out in our lives?
How do you cultivate peace and bring God’s original vision to where you live and work?
How are you striving to discern God’s call and mission for your resources, abilities and life?

Benediction

Let love be genuine;
hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 
love one another with mutual affection;
outdo one another in showing honor. 

Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 
Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 

Contribute to the needs of the saints;
extend hospitality to strangers. 
Bless those who persecute you;
bless and do not curse them. 
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep. 

Live in harmony with one another;
do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;
do not claim to be wiser than you are 
Do not repay anyone evil for evil,
but take thought for what is noble in the 
sight of all. 

If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 

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

[Photo by coolhandluke @ Flickr]