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Call to Worship:

As we gather to worship you, Almighty God, remind us that we are always in need of renewal. As you spoke to the Reformers of your Holy Church, speak to us, too, your living word of transformation. Help us earthen vessels to yield to the hands of the Master Potter. And renew our minds by the power of your Holy Spirit as we present ourselves in worship to you.

 

Responsive Greeting

L: If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
P: For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who loe their life for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.
L: Come, let us recommit ourselves and worship the Lord!

 

Call to Worship (based on Psalm 139)

L: O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
P: You have laid your had upon me.
L: How precious are Your thoughts to me, O God!
P: and wonderful are your works, that I know very well.

 

Collect (adapted from Psalm 139)

O Lord, you have searched and known the heart of every human being. You know when I sit down and when I rise up, you discern my thoughts from far away.  Even before a word is on my tongue, o Lord, you know it completely.  For it was you who formed every person, and knit us together even in the womb. We praise you, Lord, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works in all the earth.  As we gather unto you, search our hearts, test our thoughts, by your Spirit lead and guide us in the way everlasting.  Amen.

 

Invocation

The rich presence of God, the beginning and end of all that is good, be with you now and always.

And also with you.

Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, you know our problems and our weaknesses better than we ourselves. In your love and by your power help us in our confusion and, in spite of our weakness, make us firm in faith; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 

Prayer of Confession

L: God's love for the world has been revealed in Jesus Christ, who loved us to the uttermost.

P: Through Jesus' life God gave us an example and pointed us to the right way of living, a life of devotion to God and compassion for our neighbors.

L: Merciful God, we confess that so often our discipleship has been weak . . .

• L When we have failed to serve as Jesus served;
  P: forgive us, o Lord.
                                        (silent prayer)
   
• L: When we have failed to love one another as Jesus loves us;
  P: forgive us, o Lord.
                                         (silent prayer)
   
• L: When we have been happy to proclaim our devotion to Jesus with our lips and then denied him by our actions;
• P: forgive us, o Lord.
                                          (silent prayer)
   
• L: When we have instructed others on God's commandments and then failed to live according to them ourselves;
• P: forgive us, o Lord.
                                          (silent prayer)
   
• L: Merciful God, empower us by your Spirit to be steady and true to you in every time of trial; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

Potter's Wheel Prayer

On the Potter's Wheel
Mold My Life With Loving Hands
On the Potter's Wheel
Fit My Future to Your Plans
As You Turn My Life I Find
You Imprint Your Life on Mine
I'm Remade to Your Design
On the Potter's Wheel

 

Prayer of Discipleship

God of Love and Grace, you have called us into radical discipleship in the name of your son Jesus.  To you alone belong all of our heart and our devotion. You freed us from the burden of sin and by your Spirit enabled us to serve you and our neighbor. Help us, we pray, to continue in our commitment to you.  Empower us to always seek your Kingdom first.

Teach us to pray for our brothers and sisters aright; that we be so consumed in love for them that we may feel their needs as much as our own. Enable us to give as freely as we have received from you so that the name of our Lord Jesus be glorified.   Amen.

 

Prayer of Intercession

Remembering God's marvelous work and living in hope, let us pray for the church, the world, and all people according to their needs.

God of life, let your church be like a tree planted by baptismal streams of water, bearing the fruit of the gospel for the sake of the world. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of life, bring to an end wars and conflicts among nations and peoples, so that all may live in peace and safety. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of life, free those who are enslaved by others, turn the hearts of those whose choices are leading them to death, and empower and rescue victims of violence. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of life, make your living presence known to all who are sick (especially) and strengthen them in every need. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of life, look upon all who work to improve their lives and those of others, as well as all who cannot find adequate employment. Grant them fulfillment in their labor and a just reward for their work. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of life, give to our congregation the courage to carry our cross and stir us up to follow Christ's radical call to discipleship. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of life, we give you thanks for the saints who gave up all to follow Jesus Christ. Let their lives of faith and obedience inspire and encourage us to follow Christ and so enjoy fullness of life at the coming of your kingdom. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of faithfulness, encircled in your lovingkindness, we lift up to you all in need. Hear our prayers on behalf of others and sustain us as we await the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray.

Amen

 

Closing Prayer:

O Creator and mighty God,
You have promised strength for the weak,
rest for the laborers, light for the way,
grace for the trials, help from above,
unfailing sympathy, undying love.
O Creator and mighty God,
help us to continue in your promise.  Amen.