Liturgy

O God of our hearts,
You yearn to be close to us
that we might know you in every breath,
in every hope, in every relationship.

May we in turn, draw close to one another
to build your kingdom and your church.

Teach us to recognize the covenant
of justice, peace and love
you have written on our hearts.

May your desires become our desires,
your work become our work,
and our community
the place where you are sought and found.

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.

Your glory, O God
is declared in the holy silence of the heavens,
and told in the silent succession of day and night.

No speech, or word or voice is heard;
yet it is spoken to all the world,
and your words reach to the ends of the earth.

The sun joyfully leaps across the sky,
from one end of the heavens to the farthest reaches,
and nothing is hidden from its heat or light.

Nothing that we do or say or whisper in our hearts
is hidden from you, Lord God.

Release us from darkness we hide deep within our lives.

Let our lives be radiant with holy fear;
delighting in your teaching,
receiving insight from your commandments
and wisdom from your encouraging.

Enliven our desire for your everlasting judgements
over wealth or fame:
to enjoy the abundance and richness of community,
that is found in a right relationship with those around us,
and with you.

May our thoughts and our words be praise unto you,
worshipping in one voice our God in community, holy in One.
Amen.

Reflection

In what ways can we participate in belonging and being known to each other?
How can we practice emotional literacy and understand our emotions and those of others in finding community?

Benediction

Love the Lord your God with all of your heart,
your mind and your soul.

We will love God knowing
no other substitute will suffice,
the very mention of God’s name will be precious
as we cleave to our time of communion with the sacred.

Love your neighbor as yourself.
We will respect the wisdom of our elders.
We will protect the lives and the reputations of those around us.
We will cherish the relationships entrusted to us.

We will not take what is not ours.
We will learn the value of enough.

Love the Lord your God, and serve him this week

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 rauter25 @ Flickr]