PRAYERS FOR WORSHIP June 4, 2017
Greeting
Again we are gathered in the assurance that the Risen Christ is with us, saying, “Peace be with you/ Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Penitential Prayer
Forgive us, Father. We lock Your Holy Spirit out of our hearts, wanting You, and yet afraid.
We want to be Your disciples
but we fear the risks involved.
We want to proclaim Your Truth
but we fear the criticism.
We want to feed the poor
but we fear the cost.
We want to shelter the homeless
clothe the needy
heal the sick
defend the helpless
but we fear the time involved.
Lord, we want to confess our sins
but we fear to admit them.
Lord, we want to open our hearts to Your Holy Spirit but we fear the consequences.
Lord, forgive our fear so that we may experience Your true peace.
Blessing
Though our burdens may be many and heavy,
because we are a Spirit-filled people, we go out into the world as a light-hearted, happy people.
PRAYERS FOR WORSHIP June 11, 2017
Greeting
The Father summons,
and promises always …
a Kingdom to come
a Kingdom of truth
a Kingdom of Love.
Penitential Prayer
Father, we confess the inadequacy of our love …
Scripture tells us You so loved the world
that You sent Your only Son,
not to condemn
but to save!
Father, truly Your love is vast.
But mankind’s love is frequently preempted,
by thoughtless condemnations,
by revengeful acts,
by hateful exploitations.
Father, forgive us!
Blessing
Go out into the world in love:
hold fast to what is good,
return no evil for evil,
strengthen the weak,
support the poor,
honor all your brothers and sisters.
Go out into the world in love
and live as men and women in Christ.
PRAYERS FOR WORSHIP June 18, 2017
Greeting
He who is hungry, let him come,
For Jesus is the Bread which gives us life.
He who is thirsty, let him come,
For Jesus is the wine which lifts the spirit.
Penitential Prayer
Lord Jesus, we are really unworthy to be guests at Your love feast.
We have sometimes disobeyed Your clearly-stated Will.
We have sometimes come reluctantly because we think there are more important things to do.
We have sometimes quarreled with the
other guests.
We have sometimes been neglectful about inviting others to the celebration.
Nevertheless, in Your Mercy, You have invited us to come!
Blessing
Having been fed,
depart to share.
Having been inspired,
depart to encourage.
Having remembered,
depart to tell.
PRAYERS FOR WORSHIP June 25, 2017
Greeting
Keep your head erect,
your hopes high,
your hearts light,
and your spirits soaring!
Every hair on your head has been counted.
The God of Love will not abandon you.
Penitential Prayer
Father, we confess that often we become intimidated by events in the political, social and economic areas of our society. We confess that we have not been …
keeping our heads erect,
keeping our hopes high,
keeping our hearts light,
and keeping our spirits soaring.
We confess that we often are frightened into conformity, even opting for violence as an acceptable means of resolving tensions between individuals and between nations.
Forgive us, Father, for turning away from Jesus’ promise that Your Kingdom is coming.
Blessing
Jesus assures us, “every hair of your head has been counted So there is no need to be afraid.”
Through every trial and tribulation
God is with us. God cares. God is merciful!
