CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God, we breathe in your Holy Spirit and are renewed in the company of the congregation. We are gathered to sing your praises, to seek comfort in prayer, and receive encouragement as we ponder the message of the scriptures. We confess our neglect of our spiritual lives as many of us we are timid about exploring the scriptures, fearing that we may not understand their message for us. We confess that we need reassurance, longing to know that even our most hesitant prayers are heard and understood. Teach us the ways of gentleness. When we are humbled in the midst of crisis, or by personal failure, or omission, let us not be embarrassed or mortified. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us let us rather be grateful for being brought closer to the heart of Jesus. When we find ourselves in conflict over one thing and another, remind us that Jesus is walking with us, always in our midst seeking to help us find our peace, our resolution. Give us the hearts and minds of brothers and sisters who desire to love one another as you loved us. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dear Lord, we express our thanks not only through our songs and prayers, our worship and works, but through our financial offering. We are grateful for the church and its ministries, for the ways in which the church cares for us, the community and the wider world. Bless our efforts and our gifts as we work to minister to others seeking to make disciples for Jesus Christ and in the process transforming ourselves, along with the world. Amen.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
February 13, 2011 'BE BLESSED AMONG THE SORROWFUL"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
(Covenant prayer from a church in Ohio)
Gracious God, we are all on the journey of discipleship, all seeking to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. We are all learners and all teachers, we all have gifts to share and so we embrace our work to listen and to learn for and from each other, treating each other with respect and dignity. We are a community of grace and forgiveness, glad for our diversity and differences. We know dearest Lord, that disagreements will come and we testify to each other today that are willing to remain a part of the community and a part of the conversations so we will not walk out or close our hearts or minds. We are one body in Christ and we need the presence of each member to thrive. O, Lord, in Jesus’ name we give you thanks and praise. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God we have given our offering of money today to support the work of your church in our community and in the world. Let us not remain detached in spirit, heart and mind from the ministries we hope will be accomplished by these gifts. Let us lend our ideas, our time, and our talents to put these gifts to the best use. Pour your inspiration into us and make each one of us instruments of blessing for the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
(Covenant prayer from a church in Ohio)
Gracious God, we are all on the journey of discipleship, all seeking to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. We are all learners and all teachers, we all have gifts to share and so we embrace our work to listen and to learn for and from each other, treating each other with respect and dignity. We are a community of grace and forgiveness, glad for our diversity and differences. We know dearest Lord, that disagreements will come and we testify to each other today that are willing to remain a part of the community and a part of the conversations so we will not walk out or close our hearts or minds. We are one body in Christ and we need the presence of each member to thrive. O, Lord, in Jesus’ name we give you thanks and praise. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God we have given our offering of money today to support the work of your church in our community and in the world. Let us not remain detached in spirit, heart and mind from the ministries we hope will be accomplished by these gifts. Let us lend our ideas, our time, and our talents to put these gifts to the best use. Pour your inspiration into us and make each one of us instruments of blessing for the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
February 6, 2011 "BE BLESSED AMONG THE POOR"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and ever living God, on this glorious day we are aware of the beauty around us, of the colors and textures of this earth. We are ever aware that you have given us the privilege of caring for your creation. Guide us always in our efforts to preserve the resources in our care. Our desire is to be good stewards of the earth as well as good stewards of humankind. Teach us to be caretakers of each other. When we feel slighted, insulted, discounted or frustrated, teach us patience. When we think we have been treated unfairly, show us the face of Jesus and teach us the humility of forgiveness. Give us the courage to learn and to grow as disciples of your Christ. Let us not be undone by new ideas, different perspectives and the inconvenience of change. Remind us that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near for us and we are called to move ever forward with it. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dearest Lord, we are blessed to be able to give to the church our tithes and offerings. We pray that we will always be aware of the good that our generosity engenders for ministry to our brothers and sisters in Christ, to our youth and children, to the community beyond the doors of our sanctuary and to the wider world. Multiply these gifts, O Lord, and magnify our best efforts, that we may be seen always as open hearted, open handed, embracing and kind to each other and all whom we meet. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Gracious and ever living God, on this glorious day we are aware of the beauty around us, of the colors and textures of this earth. We are ever aware that you have given us the privilege of caring for your creation. Guide us always in our efforts to preserve the resources in our care. Our desire is to be good stewards of the earth as well as good stewards of humankind. Teach us to be caretakers of each other. When we feel slighted, insulted, discounted or frustrated, teach us patience. When we think we have been treated unfairly, show us the face of Jesus and teach us the humility of forgiveness. Give us the courage to learn and to grow as disciples of your Christ. Let us not be undone by new ideas, different perspectives and the inconvenience of change. Remind us that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near for us and we are called to move ever forward with it. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Dearest Lord, we are blessed to be able to give to the church our tithes and offerings. We pray that we will always be aware of the good that our generosity engenders for ministry to our brothers and sisters in Christ, to our youth and children, to the community beyond the doors of our sanctuary and to the wider world. Multiply these gifts, O Lord, and magnify our best efforts, that we may be seen always as open hearted, open handed, embracing and kind to each other and all whom we meet. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
January 30, 2011 "BEARING THE MARKS OF THE CHRIST"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, our Gracious Abba Father, beloved Son and Counselor Spirit, we are blessed this day, as we are cradled in your holy embrace surrounded by the tender hearts of this family of faith. Indeed we are blessed with freedom to express our love and devotion to you openly, without hesitation unburdened by fear. We are blessed knowing that there is no one watching us or scrutinizing us, waiting for us. We are blessed to be able to explore our beliefs and worship without fear of reprisal. Remind us gracious God, that it was not always so, for the disciples of Jesus. We confess that it is easy to take your grace for granted and for that we are heartily sorry. Today we shall dare to set our feet on a new path of discipleship. Our intention is to seen and heard, visible in our endeavors to serve you. We are seeking to learn and discern, for our time and place, what is expected of those who carry Jesus in their hearts and who would bear the marks of their connection with him. Encourage us each day, O Lord, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Bless these tithes and offerings, O Lord, as confessions of our love for you, and pledges of our devotion and our commitment to our mission to make disciples of all nations for the transformation of the world. We thank you for the blessings we receive each day and pray for the strength of spirit and the stamina of conscience to be blessings to all whom we meet. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Dearest Lord, our Gracious Abba Father, beloved Son and Counselor Spirit, we are blessed this day, as we are cradled in your holy embrace surrounded by the tender hearts of this family of faith. Indeed we are blessed with freedom to express our love and devotion to you openly, without hesitation unburdened by fear. We are blessed knowing that there is no one watching us or scrutinizing us, waiting for us. We are blessed to be able to explore our beliefs and worship without fear of reprisal. Remind us gracious God, that it was not always so, for the disciples of Jesus. We confess that it is easy to take your grace for granted and for that we are heartily sorry. Today we shall dare to set our feet on a new path of discipleship. Our intention is to seen and heard, visible in our endeavors to serve you. We are seeking to learn and discern, for our time and place, what is expected of those who carry Jesus in their hearts and who would bear the marks of their connection with him. Encourage us each day, O Lord, we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Bless these tithes and offerings, O Lord, as confessions of our love for you, and pledges of our devotion and our commitment to our mission to make disciples of all nations for the transformation of the world. We thank you for the blessings we receive each day and pray for the strength of spirit and the stamina of conscience to be blessings to all whom we meet. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
January 23, 2011 "SPIRITUAL MEDICINE"
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.
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.
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.
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