November 1 or November 3, 2024
CALL TO WORSHIP
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it—
The world, and those who live in it.
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, as you draw us together in your presence this morning, remind us that you have bound your entire church into one communion and fellowship in the eternal and universal body of your Son. May our worship on this day make us more aware of your grace, and inspire us to follow your blessed saints in virture, faithfulness, and courage, that we may enter into the rest that you have prepared for all who belong to you. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, our Creator, your love is stronger than hate, and your grace extends beyond death. Though those whom we love are never far from our thoughts, on this day we remember before you those whom we have lost. Because we can know longer hold them in our arms, we trust that you have surrounded them with yours… and we thank you.
As we remember those who have gone before, we also lift up to you those who are still with us in this life. We thank you for the blessings of home and family and friendship. We pray for our nation: for unity and responsibility, good governance and ethical business practices, for a renewed commitment to education and equal access to healthcare. And we pray for all anywhere whose lives are difficult. We pray for the grieving, the sick, and the struggling. We pray for the hungry, the oppressed, and the war-torn.
Be with us as we now hear the word and gather around your table: The words we speak and the actions we undertake we dedicate to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose Name we pray. Amen.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord, and who shall stand in his holy place?
Those with clean hands and pure hearts, who do not embrace falsehood
Such is the company of those who seek God.
—from Ps. 24:1-6
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, as you draw us together in your presence this morning, remind us that you have bound your entire church into one communion and fellowship in the eternal and universal body of your Son. May our worship on this day make us more aware of your grace, and inspire us to follow your blessed saints in virture, faithfulness, and courage, that we may enter into the rest that you have prepared for all who belong to you. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, our Creator, your love is stronger than hate, and your grace extends beyond death. Though those whom we love are never far from our thoughts, on this day we remember before you those whom we have lost. Because we can know longer hold them in our arms, we trust that you have surrounded them with yours… and we thank you.
As we remember those who have gone before, we also lift up to you those who are still with us in this life. We thank you for the blessings of home and family and friendship. We pray for our nation: for unity and responsibility, good governance and ethical business practices, for a renewed commitment to education and equal access to healthcare. And we pray for all anywhere whose lives are difficult. We pray for the grieving, the sick, and the struggling. We pray for the hungry, the oppressed, and the war-torn.
Be with us as we now hear the word and gather around your table: The words we speak and the actions we undertake we dedicate to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose Name we pray. Amen.
INVITATION
The table is wide—broad enough for people throughout the earth.
The table is wide—broad enough for people throughout the earth.
And the table is long—long enough for God's people in every age.
So no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here.
Come, eat; receive the bread of life. Drink, and partake of the cup of salvation.
It is the Lord who invites you to the feast!
COMMUNION PRAYER
We lift up our hearts in thanksgiving, O God, for your faithfulness. And we thank you for your saints who have done your will from age to age. Above all, we thank you for your Son, who in the fulness of time came to show us your perfect love. When the time was right, he offered up himself that his death might destroy death, and his risen life might open up to us the path to freedom.
So now, send you Holy Spirit to settle on these gifts, that in the bread and wine, we might discern his body and blood; and in our communion with one another, we might be unified in word and deed to carry out your will in the world. This prayer we offer in Christ's Name. Amen.
