Liturgy

God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Though the earth trembles,
and mountains slide into the sea,
we will not fear.

Waters may rise and roar,
and mountains shake at their surging;
but the God of hosts is with us–
our stronghold, the God of Israel.

Even if nations are in chaos, and kingdoms fall,
God’s voice resounds; the earth melts away.

Yahweh is with us;
the God of Israel is our stronghold.

Come! See the deeds of the Most High,
the marvelous things God has done on earth;
all over the world, God has stopped wars–
breaking bows, splintering spears,
burning the shields with fire.

“Be still! and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted upon the earth.”
The Most High is with us;
our stronghold is the God of Israel.

We thank you, O Lord,
and 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.

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

Who has leadership in our lives?
How can we use our craft to align with the direction and leadership of Christ?

Benediction

The Lord, God almighty is our Father:
let us be thankful this week
for he loves us and tenderly cares for us.

The Lord, Jesus Christ is our Saviour:
may we serve him with grace and courage
for he has redeemed us and will defend us to the end.

The Lord, the Holy Spirit is among us:
may we rely and continually seek his presence
for he will lead us in God’s holy way.

To God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
be praise and glory today and for ever.
Amen.

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

[Photo by Ryan Muglia @ Flickr]