CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Today we want to sort out our relationship with you. Ever since Jesus first called you “Abba” as if it were his first word, we have wanted to feel that close to you. Somehow Abba became Patera, then Pater, then Father and Jesus’ sweet name evolved into a formal name that somehow distanced us rather than bringing us close to you. O, Lord you have become, to too many people, the overarching, all powerful, threatening and overbearing parent of whom we are more afraid than awed, inspired or comforted. Pour out your Abba Spirit of gentleness upon us this morning and show us how to embrace your grace-full presence in a way we have never embraced you before. Fill us with knowing that the last thing you would ever do is disapprove of your children. The birth of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus are the clearest and most profound messages of your enduring love as you wait patiently for us to comprehend your will for us. We need reminders all along life’s way, but we promise to understand, one day, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God we are glad to work for the transformation of the world through our support of the church and its ministries. Our prayer is that all of the children of creation can come to know you and experience the abundance of your love and mercy. May our offerings not only help to enhance the spiritual experience of our children and youth but also bring relief to those in dire circumstances, oppressed, imprisoned, isolated, and forgotten, be they close at hand or far away. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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