CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
O God you are wonderful, steadfast and constant in your pursuit of the human heart. You seek us out, when we hide our faces from you, calling our names not to scold us, but to bring us out of the darkness into your glorious and loving light. We confess that feel ashamed when our spirits are weak, and our hearts are downcast. If we are in distress and our hearts are troubled, we think we are letting you down. We pray that you will be quick to send people into our midst, dearest Lord, who will remind us what a joy it is to have Jesus in our lives, today, this minute. Let the reminder bring a smile to our lips as we realize that because of that truth, no one can rain on our parade. No doubt of self, or criticism or scorn, or judgment can darken our lives, because there is no greater joy to brighten our spirits than the ever present, ever uplifting, ever affirming love of the Christ. We have nothing to fear, and are made whole by his presence in our lives. Thank you, Thank you and again Thank you God. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we pray your blessing upon our gifts. We pray your blessing upon our ministry to our community. Challenge us to be generous even in the midst of uncertainty. Assure us by your love that abundant blessing comes with abundant giving, not only of our tithes and offerings, but of ourselves. Give us hearts for ministry and the will for mission in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
January 16, 2011 "THE POWER OF YES"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Ever loving God, in this season of Epiphany, we are tuned in to all the ways you are and have been revealed to us. We are aware in the seeming coincidences of our everyday lives, that your Spirit is present there. You are present in the gestures of kindness and concern expressed by our family of faith. You are present in the smiles and delightful giggles of the baby who reaches out to be held in our arms. You are present in the moments of inspiration that brighten our conversation as we talk together, and read about Jesus. You are present with us as we ponder the significance of the scriptures for our daily lives. You are present in the smiles and embraces that welcome us into your presence, here, in this place. Bless us, O Lord with courage to stand for the rights of all humanity. Bless us with patience to listen and understand the needs of each person we meet. Give us the wit, wisdom and energy to be a vital, spiritual presence for ALL in this ever emerging and colorful world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come into this holy place, that we may be more aware of your presence with us than we are Monday through Friday. It is this Sabbath day that calls us to attend most diligently to your will and way for us, to the challenges that face us as disciples of Jesus. Because you first loved us we are compelled to say thank you. We are glad to present these offerings today, gifts from our grateful hearts. Our prayer is that they will keep open the way for many to know your love, to embrace your mercy and to be encouraged by your Holy Spirit. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Wondrous and Ever loving God, in this season of Epiphany, we are tuned in to all the ways you are and have been revealed to us. We are aware in the seeming coincidences of our everyday lives, that your Spirit is present there. You are present in the gestures of kindness and concern expressed by our family of faith. You are present in the smiles and delightful giggles of the baby who reaches out to be held in our arms. You are present in the moments of inspiration that brighten our conversation as we talk together, and read about Jesus. You are present with us as we ponder the significance of the scriptures for our daily lives. You are present in the smiles and embraces that welcome us into your presence, here, in this place. Bless us, O Lord with courage to stand for the rights of all humanity. Bless us with patience to listen and understand the needs of each person we meet. Give us the wit, wisdom and energy to be a vital, spiritual presence for ALL in this ever emerging and colorful world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come into this holy place, that we may be more aware of your presence with us than we are Monday through Friday. It is this Sabbath day that calls us to attend most diligently to your will and way for us, to the challenges that face us as disciples of Jesus. Because you first loved us we are compelled to say thank you. We are glad to present these offerings today, gifts from our grateful hearts. Our prayer is that they will keep open the way for many to know your love, to embrace your mercy and to be encouraged by your Holy Spirit. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
January 9, 2011 "NEW IN OLD, OLD IN NEW"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, today is the day we remember and reflect on the baptism of Jesus, what it meant to him and what it meant to you, as well. He surrendered in search of your will for him. He descended into the Jordan and was anointed by John with the water of repentance and renewal. We confess that many of us have not thought much about our baptism, some because we were too young to remember, and some because it was so very long ago. Help us to remember all the moments of renewal we have experienced when you revealed to us your love and abiding presence. We believe that you, O Lord, were pleased with all those who came to the Jordan to repent and be baptized by John. They deliberately sought connection with your most Holy Spirit. Like them we come humbly before you yearning to please you, longing to know your will for us, hoping to discern how best to serve you in this world. Jesus began today. We, as the followers of Jesus are beginning as well. Be with us most Gracious One as you were with Jesus. Help us discover each day how, with you, we can be a part of changing lives for the better, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious Redeemer, accept the gifts we have brought before you with glad hearts and great expectations. We are confident that these offerings can accomplish and will accomplish marvelous deeds in your name. Be pleased, O Lord, to pour out your Spirit of abundance upon them, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Glorious God, today is the day we remember and reflect on the baptism of Jesus, what it meant to him and what it meant to you, as well. He surrendered in search of your will for him. He descended into the Jordan and was anointed by John with the water of repentance and renewal. We confess that many of us have not thought much about our baptism, some because we were too young to remember, and some because it was so very long ago. Help us to remember all the moments of renewal we have experienced when you revealed to us your love and abiding presence. We believe that you, O Lord, were pleased with all those who came to the Jordan to repent and be baptized by John. They deliberately sought connection with your most Holy Spirit. Like them we come humbly before you yearning to please you, longing to know your will for us, hoping to discern how best to serve you in this world. Jesus began today. We, as the followers of Jesus are beginning as well. Be with us most Gracious One as you were with Jesus. Help us discover each day how, with you, we can be a part of changing lives for the better, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious Redeemer, accept the gifts we have brought before you with glad hearts and great expectations. We are confident that these offerings can accomplish and will accomplish marvelous deeds in your name. Be pleased, O Lord, to pour out your Spirit of abundance upon them, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Monday, January 3, 2011
"IN DREAMS" JANUARY 2, 2011
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and loving God, who makes all things new, like the kings who stood by the manger of the Christ child, we offer you thanks for all that he represents, all that he promises to be, and all that he will be for humanity. Like mother Mary, we shall treasure in our hearts all that we have seen and heard. As we venture into a new year it is true we cannot know what awaits us, but we are assured that your most Holy Spirit accompanies us all along the way. When we grow weary, lighten our burden and help us rest so that we can go on. When we grow impatient with the imbalances of societies and systems, strengthen our resolve to establish a balance. Teach us the benefits of traveling light on life’s journey, carrying only the essentials: faithful hearts, open minds and the message that the Christ has come to save us all. O Lord, may these be sufficient to our need. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous God, we ask your blessing upon this offering. We give to support the ministries of this church. We believe in our mission to effect a transformation of the world and reaching into our pockets, purses, wallets and bank accounts is just one way we are investing in it. Take our monetary tithes and multiply them, O Lord. Take our hearts, our prayers and our presence as our spiritual tithes to make our efforts strong and enduring. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen
Gracious and loving God, who makes all things new, like the kings who stood by the manger of the Christ child, we offer you thanks for all that he represents, all that he promises to be, and all that he will be for humanity. Like mother Mary, we shall treasure in our hearts all that we have seen and heard. As we venture into a new year it is true we cannot know what awaits us, but we are assured that your most Holy Spirit accompanies us all along the way. When we grow weary, lighten our burden and help us rest so that we can go on. When we grow impatient with the imbalances of societies and systems, strengthen our resolve to establish a balance. Teach us the benefits of traveling light on life’s journey, carrying only the essentials: faithful hearts, open minds and the message that the Christ has come to save us all. O Lord, may these be sufficient to our need. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous God, we ask your blessing upon this offering. We give to support the ministries of this church. We believe in our mission to effect a transformation of the world and reaching into our pockets, purses, wallets and bank accounts is just one way we are investing in it. Take our monetary tithes and multiply them, O Lord. Take our hearts, our prayers and our presence as our spiritual tithes to make our efforts strong and enduring. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen
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