Liturgy
Heavenly Father,
May we seek you and find you,
may we knock and the door be opened,
for we are sojourners looking for your Kingdom.
As we encounter suffering in this world,
turn our hearts, our ears, our eyes, our souls
toward Christ, who emptied himself,
and was tempted,
and suffered for us,
even giving his own life.
In this suffering, plant seeds of hope,
and let us never stray so far into despair,
that we forget the resurrection of Christ
and the power of his Spirit.
Amen
Community Confession
Holy Spirit, Creator,
in the beginning you moved over the waters.
From your breath all creation drew life.
Without you, life turns to dust.
Come, Holy Spirit!
Holy Spirit, Counselor,
by your inspiration, the prophets spoke and acted in faith.
You clothed them in power to be bearers of your Word.
Come, Holy Spirit!
Holy Spirit, Sanctifier,
you created us children of God;
you make us the living temple of your presence;
you intercede within us with sighs too deep for words.
Come, Holy Spirit!
Holy Spirit, Giver of life,
you guide and make holy the church you create;
you give gifts:
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and fortitude,
the spirit of knowledge and piety,
the spirit of the fear of the Lord,
that the whole creation may become what you want it to be.
Come, Holy Spirit!
We pray in the name of the Father,
Of the Son,
And of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 7.24.16 – Prayer as Intimacy
What are some of our habits that need to be interrupted in order for us to connect with God?
How can we practice asking in an attempt to deepen intimacy?
What are some experiences of contemplation that we can attempt as prayer?
Benediction
Go now, with God’s foolishness and weakness
as your only wisdom and strength.
Proclaim Christ crucified,
and seek riches only in the love of God’s Word
and in zeal for God’s house.
And may God’s just demands be your nourishment and delight.
May Christ be the power and wisdom of God to you.
And may the Holy Spirit keep you, thought and word,
in God’s good grace.
Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.