Liturgy

God, your voice is but a whisper,
and we struggle to hear it
amid the clatter of life in its many forms,
that works to claim our attention.

We pray that this morning may be a time
of quiet reflection and devotion to you,
when we can still our hearts and minds
and strain our ears to hear only you.

Grant us mercy this morning in our struggle.
Grant us focus, that we may be single-minded
in our worship of you.
Grant us grace, that we may be easy on ourselves
in our weakness and failures.

What are you trying to say to us this morning?
What name are you calling out to us?
The name that is for our heart alone:
Beloved. Forgiven. Child. Chosen.

We pray that we would hear
your voice this morning,
in the name of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Community Confession

Lord God, Creator of all, you speak to
us, but we often shut out your voice.
Lord, forgive us and teach us.

Your Spirit convicts us of our sin and our
brokenness, but we drown you out with
the noise of this world.
Lord, forgive us for our apathy.

We would rather hear our own name praised
among men rather than the name of Jesus.
Lord, forgive us for our pride.

We prefer telling people about our
petty accomplishments rather than
speaking of your righteousness.
Lord, forgive us for our pride.

Give us a thirst for your life-giving word. Give
us joy in speaking your truth into our own lives.

May we be faithful stewards,
and humbly seek your guidance.

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

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 2.25.18 – Names and Knowing

What names do you use for God right now?

What would it look like to see God as a friend?

In what ways could you try to know and listen to “the other” this week?

Benediction

Just as God’s word was sent into the world
to heal and redeem, so God sends you into
the world this day with the new names
of 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.

And may the voice of God be a little
more audible to you this week, and
your ear tuned to the guidance and
wisdom of the Spirit.

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.

[Photo by Piero Donadeo @ Flickr]