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Call to Worship (based on Psalm 19)

L: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
P: Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
L: In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy.
P: The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
L: The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes.
All: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

 

Call to Worship

L: Father, teach us your laws.
P: And help us to obey them.
L: Lord Jesus, teach us of your love.
P: And help us to share it.
ALL: Holy Spirit, guide and direct us as we seek to live within God’s covenant. Amen.

 

A Jewish Prayer of Confession (use with Exodus 20)

Holy and awesome God, we stand in your presence filled with regret for our many sins and failings.

Though there is greatness in us, and a deep longing for goodness, we have often denied our better selves and refused to hear your voice calling us to rise to the full height of our humanity.

For there is weakness in us, as well as strength. At times we choose to walk in darkness, our vision obscured.  We do not care to look within, and we are unwilling to look beyond at those who need our help.

O God, we are too weak to walk unaided.
Be with us as a strong and wise friend,
and teach us to walk by the light of your truth.

 

Prayer for Understanding the Power of the Cross (use with 1 Cor 1:18-25 )
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

Heavenly Father, may the eyes of our understanding be flooded with your light that we might know the  power of the Cross.  Let the message which the world considers foolishness provide the wisdom and strength we need each day on our faith journey.

May we find illumination during this season of Lent as we look toward the crucified Christ--your Holy Son--in whose name we trust and pray. Amen.

Praying in God's Holy Temple (use with John 2:13-22)
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

Almighty God, we worship you in your holy temple!
Let us ever be mindful of your holiness.

You demanded Moses to take off his sandals.
As we humbly approach you this morning we ask you to cleanse us from all worldly attitudes and sinful desires.

We present our hearts, minds, and bodies as a living sacrifice unto you. May we always worship you in Spirit and in Truth.

We give you exceeding thanks and praise for through the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus, your Son, you have established for us a permanent place at your table, so that we might dwell in your house together with you through the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Closing Prayer:

Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
“O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of idleness, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and vain talk. Instead, give to me, Your servant, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love. Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brother, for You are Blessed from all ages to all ages.” Amen.

 

Benediction (Jude 24-25)

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.