CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, we look up and see the glorious mountains, and the sky, we hear your breath rustling the leaves of the trees around us and we are at worship in your glorious sanctuary. We are reminded that “Worship is the highest form of love.” When we worship together our minds are nourished with Your truth, our imaginations are peaked by Your idea of beauty, our hearts are opened to Your love, and we are inspired to devote ourselves to Your purpose. In these days of Lent we intend to grow and mature in our spirituality. We are a congregation confronted by a great challenge and we need your comforting, loving spirit flowing in and though us in the days ahead as we seek to understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. We release our fear and place our burdens at your feet. Let us not be undone by a fragile faith, by weak resignation and doubt. Strengthen us to love with a heart like Jesus, to serve with the humility of Paul, bearing fruit worthy of our faith in your promises. Let us proclaim, in word and deed, our confidence and trust in you. Lord hear our prayer, we humbly beseech you, in the name of the one who taught us to pray saying: Our Abba Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us, this day, our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we bring. We offer them with pure hearts, cheerful hearts, hearts of love and commitment. In these days of Lent we will be ever mindful, ever aware that you have blessed us, by your everlasting covenant in the redeeming act of Jesus Christ. We are indebted to you for every breath we take and every blessing we have received. Hear our humble prayer of thanksgiving in the name of The Beloved, even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
March 13, 2011 "BE BLESSED AMONG THE PURE IN HEART"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and ever pardoning Lord, please listen to our heartfelt prayer. We confess, as we begin this Lenten season, our need to return to you. We confess our desire to reconnect with you and to place you at the center of our lives, our thoughts and our actions. Lead us, O Lord to examine what is in our hearts, to delved deeply into our spiritual core, and reorder our faith priorities. If we should discover that we have neglected and starved our souls, dearest Lord, give us spiritual nourishment. If we discover that our we have never healed from some past injury, please, heal the hurt and help us move on in strength and holiness. If we discover that we are imprisoned by negativity, false impressions, misunderstanding or stubbornness, we entreat you most merciful and forgiving God, to break the shackles that bind us and wash us clean. Teach us to be honest with you, with ourselves and each other as we journey toward spiritual maturity. For all of this and more we shall give you thanks and praise as we follow Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we bring. We offer them with pure hearts, cheerful hearts, hearts of love and commitment. In these days of Lent we will be ever mindful, ever aware that you have blessed us, by your everlasting covenant in the redeeming act of Jesus Christ. We are indebted to you for every breath we take and every blessing we have received. Hear our humble prayer thanksgiving in the name of The Beloved, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Gracious and ever pardoning Lord, please listen to our heartfelt prayer. We confess, as we begin this Lenten season, our need to return to you. We confess our desire to reconnect with you and to place you at the center of our lives, our thoughts and our actions. Lead us, O Lord to examine what is in our hearts, to delved deeply into our spiritual core, and reorder our faith priorities. If we should discover that we have neglected and starved our souls, dearest Lord, give us spiritual nourishment. If we discover that our we have never healed from some past injury, please, heal the hurt and help us move on in strength and holiness. If we discover that we are imprisoned by negativity, false impressions, misunderstanding or stubbornness, we entreat you most merciful and forgiving God, to break the shackles that bind us and wash us clean. Teach us to be honest with you, with ourselves and each other as we journey toward spiritual maturity. For all of this and more we shall give you thanks and praise as we follow Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we bring. We offer them with pure hearts, cheerful hearts, hearts of love and commitment. In these days of Lent we will be ever mindful, ever aware that you have blessed us, by your everlasting covenant in the redeeming act of Jesus Christ. We are indebted to you for every breath we take and every blessing we have received. Hear our humble prayer thanksgiving in the name of The Beloved, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
February 27, 2011 "HUNGER FOR JUSTICE"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Sovereign of the universe, be present with us and hear our prayer. We long to be your people of justice and righteousness, to see the world through wise and loving eyes, and yet we are afraid of so much. The world places such challenges in our path each and everyday. News of unrest and evil flows through the airwaves, on our televisions and radios, even on our cell phones. How can we discern our role as disciples of the Christ in this restless world. What is our part in the worldwide devaluation of human life? What is our responsibility in the ongoing search for equitable relationships with emerging nations? Teach us to listen to your prodding whispers, encouraging us each and everyday to step outside our shyness to welcome the stranger, and heal the broken hearted. Give us the strength to care for those marginalized by unfair bureaucracies designed to cater to the elite of these, not the least of these. Empower our tiniest steps, dearest Lord, as we seek to do what is right in the most ordinary moments of everyday. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Bless the gifts we bring, O Lord, to be instruments of healing, tools for growth, nourishment for hungry mouths, warmth and heat for those who are naked, light for those in darkness, and blessing for those who have been lost or forgotten. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Glorious God, Sovereign of the universe, be present with us and hear our prayer. We long to be your people of justice and righteousness, to see the world through wise and loving eyes, and yet we are afraid of so much. The world places such challenges in our path each and everyday. News of unrest and evil flows through the airwaves, on our televisions and radios, even on our cell phones. How can we discern our role as disciples of the Christ in this restless world. What is our part in the worldwide devaluation of human life? What is our responsibility in the ongoing search for equitable relationships with emerging nations? Teach us to listen to your prodding whispers, encouraging us each and everyday to step outside our shyness to welcome the stranger, and heal the broken hearted. Give us the strength to care for those marginalized by unfair bureaucracies designed to cater to the elite of these, not the least of these. Empower our tiniest steps, dearest Lord, as we seek to do what is right in the most ordinary moments of everyday. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Bless the gifts we bring, O Lord, to be instruments of healing, tools for growth, nourishment for hungry mouths, warmth and heat for those who are naked, light for those in darkness, and blessing for those who have been lost or forgotten. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
February 20, 2011 "BE BLESSED AMONG THE MEEK"
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.
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 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.
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