September 29, 2024
CALL TO WORSHIP
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
May we abide in God's house forever, and find refuge under the shelter of his wings.
May God, our refuge, listen to our prayers.
Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
—from Ps. 61:1-4; 124:8
OPENING PRAYER
God our Creator, we, you humble people, gather in this place seeking your guidance this morning. May you be to us a light in the darkness, hope in the midst of despair, and courage for those who are afraid. During this time of worship, may we know the grace of your Son, and may your Holy Spirit show us the path ahead, that in the week to come, we may make your Name known through our words and actions. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Eternal God, good and kind, today, as we transition from last week to next week, we approach you in gratitude, and, once again, give ourselves over to your keeping. We are but a few of the billions who worship you, yet you know us, you listen to us, and you care for us. You know who we are and what we need. You stay by our side through all the difficulties of life. Your Son guides us in our confusion. And your spirit is within us, forgiving us and inspiring us.
In all our ways and through all our being, we belong to you. Forgive us when we try to belong to ourselves or when we give ourselves to others. So clear up our confusion, give integrity to our divided hearts, heal our selfishness. Grant us lives that are lived for you and for others. Make room in us for others— those we love and those we might think of as our enemies. And in those broad spaces of prayer, hear us in the silence…
[A silence is kept.]
Thank you, Ruler of our lives, for being there when we need you. Thank you for turning your ear to us, and hearing the prayers we have lifted up to you in the Name of Jesus Christ, who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, God forevermore. Amen.
Eternal God, good and kind, today, as we transition from last week to next week, we approach you in gratitude, and, once again, give ourselves over to your keeping. We are but a few of the billions who worship you, yet you know us, you listen to us, and you care for us. You know who we are and what we need. You stay by our side through all the difficulties of life. Your Son guides us in our confusion. And your spirit is within us, forgiving us and inspiring us.
In all our ways and through all our being, we belong to you. Forgive us when we try to belong to ourselves or when we give ourselves to others. So clear up our confusion, give integrity to our divided hearts, heal our selfishness. Grant us lives that are lived for you and for others. Make room in us for others— those we love and those we might think of as our enemies. And in those broad spaces of prayer, hear us in the silence…
[A silence is kept.]
Thank you, Ruler of our lives, for being there when we need you. Thank you for turning your ear to us, and hearing the prayers we have lifted up to you in the Name of Jesus Christ, who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, God forevermore. Amen.
COMMUNION PRAYER
Eternal One, how blessed are those who know your forgiving love. How happy are those whom you draw to your table. And so we praise you, O God, and we commit our lives to you. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that we may be satisfied with your goodness. When we share the bread and cup, may we know the presence of your Son, whose selfless love gives us life. This we pray in his Name. Amen.
