Liturgy

Our heavenly Father,
We dare to imagine a world
where hunger has no chance to show its face.

We dare to dream of a world
where war and terror are afraid to leave their mark.

We long to believe in a world of hope
unchained and lives unfettered.

We dare to share in the creation of a world
where your people break free.

We dare to chase after your heart, oh Lord,
that our minds and our lives may be renewed…restored.
For it is with you, that the hope of peace may be made real.

Your kingdom come, O God.
Your will be done.

We ask all 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.

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

Are you in a place of connection or disconnection with God in this season?
What might it look like to take a risk towards reconnection this week?

Benediction

May the Lord put test to our faith.
May he challenge our trust,
and may we be disturbed from our every day lives.

Whether it be in the glimpses of an angelic light
or in the face of a stranger in need,
may the Lord challenge our faith.

May we rise to the purpose God has vested in each of us;
May we answer his call and say “Your will be done, and not mine.”

May our hearts know the trust of not being afraid,
and our confidence rooted in the knowledge that nothing
is impossible with God.

So go forth this week, remembering
the love 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 Owls & Bears @ Flickr]