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Call to Worship (adapted from Psalm 14)

L:  The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.
P: We have all gone astray, there is no one who does good, no, not one.
L: But God, in his great mercy looks favorably upon those who humble themselves and confess their sin.
P: The Lord is merciful and quick to forgive, the Lord God is our refuge. Deliverance will come from Zion!
L: When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, Israel will rejoice.    Come, let us rejoice in our salvation and  praise the Lord!

 

Call to Worship

L: As we draw near to God
P: God will draw near to us.
L: Let us approach God with child-like faith.
P: For God loves those who humble themselves.
L: God's arm reaches out to those who are weak.
P: God's help is near to those who are troubled.
L: Let us worship God.

 

Responsive Greeting based on the Gospel Lesson
Ruth Duck

As a Shepherd seeks a lost sheep,
so God seeks and saves the lost.

Like a woman who searches for a lost coin until it is found
so God rejoices over one soul restored to wholeness.

As a father receives a returning wayward son
so God welcomes us, and lets the past be the past.

Therefore let us praise God in thanksgiving that we dare received.
Let us receive and welcome and rejoice over one another in the name of Jesus Christ.
 

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. O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity. Grant us the fullness of your grace, that, pursuing what you have promised, we may share your heavenly glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 

 

Prayer of Confession
(based on Jeremiah 2:11-28)

God of the ages, God of all nations, we humbly approach your throne with a grateful heart.  We especially thank you for the investment you made in us by bestowing your mighty blessings and gifts upon us.  Help us to be good stewards over the resources and talents you so graciously gave.

In the areas we fail to be wise stewards, we ask your forgiveness. We confess that we have neglected to

• take care of the environment.
• love our neighbors as ourselves.
• share generously, especially with those who are needy.
• spend time in your Word.
• lend a hand to those who need it.
• _______________ (fill in the blank)

Forgive us, we pray, and allow us to go forward in Jesus' name so that your kingdom be firmly established among us. Amen.

 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Gracious God, your gift of love for us is relentless and everlasting. In our bleakest times, you shine your light. In distant places, you seek us out. Thank you. 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 mercy, your church has often turned within itself, and away from your passion for those who are lost. Draw us out of our self-righteousness and closer to you, that we might be a saving witness to the world. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of mercy, we continue to neglect and exploit your good creation. Give us the courage and wisdom to become prudent caretakers of the natural resources entrusted to us. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of mercy, heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. Show your mercy to those who are crushed and in despair over their sins and open their ears to hear with joy and gladness the good news of forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of mercy, you know the needs of all. Bring healing and wholeness to all who are sick (especially), bear in your arms those who have lost loved ones to terrorism, and comfort all those who mourn. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of mercy, you pour out your gifts on all people. Enlighten and inspire those in our congregation who teach the faith to our children, those whose voices enhance our worship with their song, and those who practice hospitality for others. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of mercy, give us courage to daily die to ourselves and live to you so that one day we (with names) will enjoy the eternal life prepared for all whom you love. 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
(traditional Navaho)

Before us it is blessed, behind us it is blessed
below us it is blessed, above us it is blessed,
around us it is blessed as we set out with Christ.

Our speech is blessed as we set out for God.
With beauty before us, with beauty behind us,
with beauty below us, with beauty above us,
with beauty around us, we set out for a holy place indeed.
Amen.