CALL TO WORSHIP
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to God.
Who may climb the mountain of the Lord, and who may stand in his holy place?
Those whose hands are clean and whose hearts are pure, those who embrace the truth.
Such is the company of those who seek the face of the God.
They will receive the Lord’s blessing.
—from Ps. 24
OPENING PRAYER
The earth belongs to you, O God, and this morning we thank you for its beauty. May that same beauty fill our hearts during this hour of worship. In your word and at your table, draw us closer to you; assure us of your Spirit’s presence, and unite us in love and praise. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you are creator and sustainer of the universe. We are awed by your power and overwhelmed by your wisdom. Though you are found at the farthest reaches of the universe, we are most amazed that you are also found in the hearts of all who seek you.
We ask for your guidance this morning.
Prepare our spirits to hear your word,
and reassure us that you hear our prayers.
We thank you for the goodness that surrounds us.
And we ask you to be with us as we face the challenges that are before us.
We pray for our loved ones—
For those who are sick: May they know you as their healer.
For those who mourn: Be their consolation.
For those who are dejected: Be their anchor of hope.
For those who are afraid: Be the rock upon which they stand.
We also pray for those whose faces we see,
but whose names we might not know—
and we ask that you will inspire and empower us
to be your people in the world. Transform us into peacemakers, light-bringers, and justice workers.
These things we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, God forevermore.
Amen.
RESPONSIVE READING
O God, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.
INVITATION
The table is prepared and all are invited to the feast. So come to the table, not because you must, but because you may; not because you are strong, but because you are weak; not because you are good, but because it is here that the Lord offers you forgiveness. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here, where we remember how much God loves us.
COMMUNION PRAYER
We thank you, O God, for the goodness of your creation, and for you love for all that you have made. We thank you for your church, and for this gathering of your people. And now, we pray, let your Holy Spirit settle on these gifts of bread and wine, that in them we may discern the presence of your Son. Unite us with you and with one another, that when we arise from this table, we may be renewed in our commitment to your Kingdom. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
RESPONSIVE READING
O God, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.
—from Ps. 139
INVITATION
The table is prepared and all are invited to the feast. So come to the table, not because you must, but because you may; not because you are strong, but because you are weak; not because you are good, but because it is here that the Lord offers you forgiveness. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here, where we remember how much God loves us.
COMMUNION PRAYER
We thank you, O God, for the goodness of your creation, and for you love for all that you have made. We thank you for your church, and for this gathering of your people. And now, we pray, let your Holy Spirit settle on these gifts of bread and wine, that in them we may discern the presence of your Son. Unite us with you and with one another, that when we arise from this table, we may be renewed in our commitment to your Kingdom. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
BENEDICTION
As we part company today,
may the Spirit guide us in the week to come.
May our words be the words of Christ,
and our deeds be the work of God’s hands.
Go forth in the Name of the + Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
