Liturgy

God of revelation and epiphany—

Through the words of the prophets
You have shown us the world
of your dreaming and longing:
A world built on justice,
overflowing with plenty,
and crowned with joy.

And through the coming of Emmanuel –
his living and loving,
his words and actions—
you have shown us
how such a world might be fashioned.

Help us to take, hold and grow into these understandings;
and, like Jesus,
may we always be ready
to live generously,
love expansively,
speak boldly
and act courageously,
that the Kingdom of your dreaming,
with its justice, abundance and joy,
may become the present reality
of all the peoples of this world.

We ask 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.

Lord, in this season,
we look within ourselves and find that we are still far from your ways.

With sorrowful hearts,
we come before you, O God,
to confess what you already know—
we have failed to keep your laws.
Lord of mercy and of might, hear our prayer to you.

Again and again,
we have followed our own selfish desires,
rather than your holy and life-giving will for our lives.
Lord of mercy and of might, forgive us.

We have twisted your decrees and teachings
to suit our preconceptions and interests rather than your own,
and so, we limit ourselves and have failed to love our neighbors.

Have mercy and forgive us, O God,
and cleanse us from hidden faults,
that the words of our mouths,
and the meditations of all our hearts,
may be acceptable to you,
our Rock and our Redeemer.

We ask in the name of the Father
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Reflection

Who are the people we overlook and avoid?
Who are those we have difficulty caring for and forgiving?

Benediction

Go now in peace,
for Christ has called you to live in peace
among your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Go now in courage,
for Christ has called you from the places of your life
to be agents of redemption and partners in healing.

Go now in joy and thanksgiving,
for Christ is our light!

Go now as one body,
to love and serve God as you love and serve the world!

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 neamoscou @ Flickr]