CALL TO WORSHIP
Let us give thanks to the Lord with full hearts; let us sing God’s praise before the heavens!
We give thanks to God’s Name for his steadfast love and faithfulness; his word is exalted above everything!
All the rulers of the earth shall praise the Lord.
They shall sing of God’s ways, for great is his glory.
Though the Lord is high, he cares for the lowly.
Though we walk in the midst of trouble, God reaches out to us.
God will fulfill his purpose for us.
His steadfast love endures forever.
—based on Ps. 138
OPENING PRAYER
Holy God, faithful and eternal, you have called us together this morning to witness your presence in our midst, and to be light that shines in a troubled world. Let us not hide the bright hope that you have given us, but share with everyone the love that you have revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose Name we pray. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Holy God, Father of all, you have created us and called people from all nations to be your people. We thank you that your beloved community knows no borders! May your good news bear fruit wherever it is shared.
[A silence is kept.]
God of Abraham and Sarah, we pray for justice—in our community, in our nation, and in our world. Help us to overcome our greed, so that all share equally in your blessings.
[A silence is kept.]
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of Mary, you are the Prince of Peace. Help us to follow in your footsteps and be peacemakers in a warring world.
[A silence is kept.]
O Holy Spirit, Mother of the faithful, we feel your breath throughout creation. Teach us to respect all life, and help us to hear your gospel call to love our neighbor as ourselves. Give us the wisdom and courage to be good stewards of our blessings.
[A silence is kept.]
—after German Reformed Liturgy
COMMUNION PRAYER
Loving Creator, Source of life: to you we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving. We turn to you when we are frightened and celebrate you in times of joy. You are hope to the despairing, the pride of the downcast, peace to the war-torn, and truth in the midst of confusion. In Jesus Christ, you are God-with-us, and when we gather round your table, we ask for a more profound sign of your presence. So send your Holy Spirit, we pray, to settle on these gifts of bread and wine, that in them we might discern your body and blood. By that same Spirit, unite us into one body that we might be your servants in the world, helping to bring forth your Kingdom in the sight of all people. This we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and always. Amen.
Loving Creator, Source of life: to you we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving. We turn to you when we are frightened and celebrate you in times of joy. You are hope to the despairing, the pride of the downcast, peace to the war-torn, and truth in the midst of confusion. In Jesus Christ, you are God-with-us, and when we gather round your table, we ask for a more profound sign of your presence. So send your Holy Spirit, we pray, to settle on these gifts of bread and wine, that in them we might discern your body and blood. By that same Spirit, unite us into one body that we might be your servants in the world, helping to bring forth your Kingdom in the sight of all people. This we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and always. Amen.
BENEDICTION
As we part company today, may we as a church hear Christ's call.
And may each of us leave our old lives behind and follow him into the unknown.
Thus may the love of + God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us this day and forevermore. Amen.
