Liturgy

The Word you spoke, and keep speaking, O God,
is the life, the sustenance,
of all that is – seen and unseen.

The Life you gave, and keep giving, O Christ,
is the recreation, the renewed birth of every broken,
wounded and sinful creature.

The breath you breathed, and keep breathing, O Spirit,
is the inspiration for creativity, compassion and community
that connects and unites all that God has made.

Life-giving, Life-restoring, Life-fulfilling God,
may our worship seek to honor you,
may our hearts be devoted to you
and may we give our lives completely over to you.

In the name of the Father,
of the Risen Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
amen.

Community Confession

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

Compassionate and Gentle God,
you have created us in love to be your people.
We give thanks and praise you for our community, oh God.

Yet, as we gather for worship,
we are reminded that we have lost sight of this gift
and forgotten how to really love you.

We worship other gods,
put our faith in the currencies of this world,
and impress ourselves with misguided power and stability.
Lord, have mercy on us.

We have looked for help in the wrong places
and ignored the extravagances you lay before us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Send your Spirit to come and breathe its life-sustaining
and life-altering presence into us in these moments of worship.

Send your Spirit of renewal and transformation.
Send your Spirit that up-ends our lives and sets us on a new path.
Send your Spirit, O Lord, that we may learn to follow you.

Hear our prayers and remake us in your image once again.
We pray these things in the name of the One
who rose from the grave.
Amen.

Reflection

What are the shadows in our lives that we need to see the realities in?
How can we live in a healthy tension of the flesh and the Spirit?

Benediction

May the word of Christ guide you.
May the light of his Spirit bless the work you do
with the love and warmth of your heart.

May people see in you the beauty of your soul
reflecting the image of Christ.
May your work never weary you.

May the Holy Spirit within overflow with the wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement
that all may know how good and gracious is our Father in heaven.

In the name of the Father,
of the Risen Son
and of the Holy Spirit, we pray.
Amen.

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

[Photo by randy p. martin @ Flickr]