CALL TO WORSHIP
Let us lift up our souls to the God in whom we trust.
Make us to know your ways; Lord, teach us your paths.
May God lead us in his truth and teach us.
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of his steadfast love, for they are eternal.
God leads the humble in what is right and teaches us his way.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness for those who keep his covenant.
OPENING PRAYER
O God, our Covenant Friend, we gather in gratitude for your life-giving presence, for your compassion and your forgiveness. We thank you that our paths have brought us together this morning to worship you in spirit and truth. Turn to us now; hear our prayers and be gracious to us, that we may follow in the way of Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose Name we pray.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, you are our Maker, You have given us life and strength, hope and courage; and in Jesus Christ you have given us a Savior and Friend. For the love that brought him into the world to share our joys and sorrows, and to be crucified for us: Receive, we pray, the offering of our love.
[A silence is kept.]
For the forgiveness you promise to all who trust in the cross of Christ and confess their wrongdoings and shortcomings to you: Hear our prayers of penitence.
[A silence is kept.]
For the hope of eternal life in Christ because you raised him from the dead, O Lord: Receive the gift of our lives.
[A silence is kept.]
For the blessings of home and country, for freedom and family and friendship, and most especially the church in which our spirits grow, our minds are expanded, and in which we strive together for the coming of your kingdom: Accept the gift of our worship
[A silence is kept.]
All these prayers we offer to you through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, God forevermore. Amen.
COMMUNION PRAYER
As you go forth today, may the Lord Jesus himself give you grace to grow in holiness, to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow him. And may the blessing of God Almighty + Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit, be with you and abide with you always. Amen.
