God our Creator, your kindness has brought us the gift of a new morning. Help us not to cling to yesterday, nor covet tomorrow, but to accept the uniqueness of today. By your love, celebrated in your word, seen in your Son, brought near by your Spirit, take from us all we need no longer carry, that we may be free again to choose to serve you and be served by each other.
We believe that God forgives and sets us free, and at the week's beginning we commit ourselves to follow where Christ calls and to love one another.
—Common Order, Church of Scotland
In the Name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen.
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are pilgrims on a journey, gathered together to help one another along the path:
And God goes ahead of us.
Though our road lead us through the wilderness, we will not fear:
For God is by our side.
We know that all of God's paths are unfailing love and steadfast faith for those who cling to God's grace:
Yes, God surrounds us. Let us worship God!
PSALTER READING
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me—all my guilt is gone.
You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
—Psalm 32:1-3, 4-5, 7-8, 10-11 (based on NLT)
