PRAYERS FOR WORSHIP
March 6, 2022
Greeting
On this, the first Sunday of Lent,
let us turn our eyes toward Jerusalem.
Let us remember what Christ suffered for us there —
his abuse, his agony, and his death.
And having been once again reminded
that his great sacrifice was for us,
Let us place our full faith in Him,
believing, trusting, and obeying.
Penitential Prayer
Lord, we confess that we so very much need this
season of remembrance and contrition.
We so quickly forget the price paid for our salvation.
We so conveniently dismiss from our minds the agony and the sorrow.
We so nonchalantly take for granted the blessings which are ours in Christ.
We so naturally get carried away with our pursuit of material things
that we forget about spiritual things.
We so easily allow our inner nature to become weak and flabby.
We so foolishly allow ourselves to give in to the temptations we encounter.
So now we ask not only that you will forgive us for these failings, we also ask that during this Lenten season You will be at work in our lives, using the remembrance of our Lord’s suffering to bring about a new commitment of our total selves.
Blessing
As you take this year’s journey to the cross,
may the Lord Jesus be your inspiration,
may the Holy Spirit be your strength,
and may the Scriptures be your guide.
PRAYERS FOR WORSHIP
March 13, 2022
Greeting
Let us come into the presence of the Almighty,
to be bathed in His love,
to catch a glimpse of His splendor,
and to find our place in His plan.
Penitential Prayer
If we have been lazy in our faith,
Lord, forgive us.
If we have been satisfied to drift along, year after
year, without noticeable improvement,
Lord, forgive us.
If we have made no special effort to seek a new and fresh
experience of Jesus Christ,
Lord, forgive us.
If we have been content only to go through the motions of going to church, attending meetings, and saying prayers,
Lord, forgive us.
If we have kept our faith in a compartment separated from the rest of life,
Lord, forgive us.
If we have in any way resisted the transforming power
of an experience with God,
Lord, forgive us.
Blessing
Having been with Christ on the mountain,
sharing His glory;
let us now walk with Christ on the road.
PRAYERS FOR WORSHIP
March 20, 2022
Greeting
Come, at Christ’s invitation,
all you who have sinned and need to be forgiven;
all you who hunger for New Life and need to be nourished;
all you who accept God’s abundance and need to give thanks;
all you who experience God’s Love and need to give praise.
Penitential Prayer
In many ways, Lord, we have been like the people of Israel, wandering in the wilderness.
Even though our diet is far more extravagant than the manna and quail of the people of Israel, we too have grumbled.
Even though our homes are far more elaborate than their tattered tents, we too have complained.
Even though we have received far more of Your revelation than they had, we too have wandered.
Even though we have received the inner power of the Holy Spirit, we too are filled with fear.
So, we offer no excuses. We can only lay hold on Your Grace, repent, and ask forgiveness for our sins.
Blessing
Return now to your homes
with a firm will to repent,
and a warm heart,
and a pure mind,
and with a joyful spirit.
PRAYERS FOR WORSHIP
March 27, 2022
Greeting
If you are lost in
a bewildering world
an impersonal society
or your own self-importance,
Come, find your true self
in this House of God.
Come, seek the One Way
in this House of Direction.
Penitential Prayer
Father, we know you have not abandoned us. We know
that we are a Lost People only because we do not
follow Your Way.
You say “north” — and we head south.
You say “right” — and we turn left.
You say “forgive” — we harbor grudges.
You say “compassion” — we stay indifferent.
You say “justice” — we maintain the “status quo.”
You say “peace” — we argue war.
You say “ministry” — we point to others.
You say “commitment” — we reply, “no risk — no obligation.”
You say “Follow Me” — but we foolishly chart our own course.
Forgive us, Lord, for turning away from Your Guiding Light, and losing ourselves in the darkness of sin.
Blessing
May you follow the Beacon of Light
which will illuminate the Path of Christ
which will lead you to a life of meaning, service, and love.