Liturgy
We thank you, God, for drawing us to this
time in community and for interrupting us
with your gift of life in Christ.
Whether we have heard the news many
times over, or are this day, listening with
brand new ears, surprise us with your
justice and righteousness, that our lives
might turn in the right direction.
Teach us with your goodness and
mercy, that we might receive your
empowering forgiveness;
stagger us with your hope and peace, that our
eyes will remain wide open when we leave this
place, searching for what you will be doing this
week in our world and through us.
We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Community Confession
Gracious and merciful God, we confess to you our reluctance
to enter the places where we are confronted with our true selves.
The places where we are tempted to put worldly values before
our desire for you, and when our hunger for power and wealth
is greater than our hunger for seeking and doing your will:
Forgive us, O God, and increase our trust in you.
When we are tempted to use the gifts you give us
to benefit ourselves at the expense of serving others:
Forgive us, O God, and increase our trust in you.
When we are tempted to use sensational means to increase
people’s faith, rather than being guided by the humility of Christ:
Forgive us, O God, and increase our trust in you.
When we are tempted to use bribery
to influence and control people:
Forgive us, O God, and increase our trust in you.
When we are tempted to manipulate
you, O God, to satisfy our own needs:
Forgive us, O God, and increase our trust in you.
Merciful God, save us from the time
of trial, and deliver us from evil.
Forgive us our sins and fill us with
the joy and peace of your salvation.
Strengthen us with your Spirit that we may put
our whole trust in you as confidently as Jesus did.
We ask in the name
of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
What does it mean to repent in the context of the mystery of our faith?
What are the areas we need to dig around to find life instead of simply cutting down?
What word comes to mind when you think of the invitation to grow and mature your interior life?
Benediction
Just as God’s Word was sent into the
world to heal and to redeem, so God
sends you into the world this day to
be light and love, healing and hope.
Leave here to be light for the world,
And may the grace and peace of
God the Creator, the Redeemer,
and the Sustainer be with you this
week and remain with you always.
Go 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.