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Call to Worship
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

L: As we gather around the table of the LORD today,
P: we remember the peoples of the world divided into many nations and tongues.
L: We gather in the name of the Almighty, Creator of every man and woman, every plant and animal.
P: We join in the chorus of praise with sisters and brothers around the world to celebrate our LORD.
L: May Christ's church be strengthened and united through the sacrament of Holy Communion.

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, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
P: The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
All: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Prayer for the World and it Peoples:
(Church of Scottland 20th century)

O God, you are the hope of all the ends of the earth, the God of the spirits of all flesh.  Hear our humble intercession for all races and families on earth, that you will turn all hearts to yourself.
Remove from our minds hatred, prejudice, and contempt for those who are not of our own race or color, class or creed, that, departing from everything that estranges and divides, we may by you be brought into unity of spirit, in the bond of peace. Amen.

World Communion Prayer of Confession
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

Lord, on this world communion Sunday, help us examine our hearts so that we may pay proper respect to Christ's sacrifice on the cross.  Thank you for offering reconciliation to all of humankind, the forgiveness of sins through Christ, our high priest.

Almighty and ever-present God, we confess our sins to you. We are truly sorry for our wrongdoings and shortcomings, for sins of commission and sins of omission.    Forgive us, we pray, in Christ's name.

Empower us to serve you fully, to share the resources we have with those who have less, to weep with those who weep, and to laugh with those who laugh. Help us to be good stewards over the earth you have placed in our care; help us to unite in love and concern for one another, not just in our local community, but with brothers and sisters in all the   world.

As we draw near to your holy table we thank you, Lord, for providing the Bread of Life for us.  As we partake, impart on us your grace and mercy, unite us with Christ, our Lord, and with one another.  May your kingdom be established in all the earth.   Amen.

"Your Sacred Table"
adapted from a prayer by St. Francis de Sales

Divine Savior,
we come to Your sacred table to nourish ourselves,
     not with bread but with Yourself, true Bread of eternal life.

Help us daily to make a good and perfect meal of your divine nourishment. Let us be continually refreshed by the perfume of Your kindness and goodness.

May the Holy Spirit fill us with His Love. Meanwhile, let us prepare a place for this holy food by emptying our hearts. Amen.

Prayer for Justice And Peace in the World

Father, you have given all peoples one common origin. It is your will that they be gathered together as one family in yourself.

Fill the hearts of humankind with the fire of your love and with the desire to ensure justice for all.

We confess that we often put our trust  in the power of man-made things, unmindful of Your mighty power and that Jesus is " King Of Kings." We confess that we have turned our eyes away from You to go our selfish ways. Money, power and pleasure are the gods we serve today. Through greed and fear and hatred, we are seeking to destroy.

Oh, Father up in heaven, stir and wake our sleeping souls.

May there be an end to division, strife and war. May there be a dawning of a truly human society built on love and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord.

By sharing the good things you give us, help us to secure an equality for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Amen.

 

Closing Prayer:
(traditional Gaelic)

May the road rise to meet you,
may the wind be always at your back,
may the sun shine warm upon your face,
may the rains fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Amen.