Liturgy

Loving God, in whom we live and move
and have our being, the God who is made
known in Christ Jesus, the living Word,

Remove from our minds and hearts
whatever impediments hinder worship
or dampen our joy. Increase within us
that holy longing for closeness which
can open our lives to fuller delight
and to a deeper commitment.

May our hymns and prayers, our searching
thoughts, and our hearing of the Scriptures
be an exercise in humble and honest living.

May our meditation of scripture this morning
Always point us to the Incarnate One, who
desires not fool-proof belief, but our hearts.

We ask and pray in the name
of God the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Community Confession

Lord, you have created a diverse world, a world
full of languages, of nationalities, and ideologies,
and we carry commitments like so many burdens.

Forgive us for confusing our own
voices with the call to be your people.

You have placed us in this place and time,
you have given us the breath in our lungs,
and the bodies we each inhabit.

Forgive our selfishness which tells us to hold
back from others the gifts you freely gave us.

Your word is a lamp unto our feet,
your story is a way of life,
your commands are our freedom.

Forgive us when we place our thoughts above yours,
and think we know what is best for ourselves and others.

We ask in the name
of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 09.17.17 – Liturgy:Scripture

How can we read the Scriptures through Jesus our Rabbi?
What ways can we be invited into the story of redemption this week?

Benediction

Vox family, go into this week with
open eyes to see Christ in those we encounter,
open ears to hear the Spirit’s prompting,
open hands to serve our neighbors,
and open hearts to receive God’s grace from others.

May we tap daily into the wellspring
of God’s bountiful grace to us.

May it compel us to
act justly,
love mercy,
and walk humbly with our God

In the name of our God, the Creator,
Christ, the Risen One,
and the Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life.
Amen.

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

[Photo by Rosario Oddo @ Flickr]