The Spirit sends us forth to serve; we go in Jesus’ name.
to bring glad tidings to the poor, God’s favor to proclaim.
We go to comfort those who mourn and set the burdened free.
where hope is dim to share a dream and help the blind to see.
We go to be the hands of Christ to scatter joy like seed.
and, all our days to cherish life, to do the loving deed.
Then let us go to serve in peace, the gospel to proclaim.
God’s Spirit has empowered us; we go in Jesus’ name.
Holy and gracious God, as we gather before you today, we are reminded of
that sacred moment when your people assembled as one in Jerusalem,
united in their hunger to hear your Word. Like them, we come with open
hearts and attentive spirits, eager to receive your truth.
Lord, just as Ezra opened the Book of the Law in the sight of the people,
open your Word to us now. May we recognize your holy presence as you
give us understanding through your Holy Spirit. Let your truth sin deep
into our hearts, transforming our minds and guiding our steps.
As the people celebrated because the joy of the Lord is their strength, fill us
with that sacred joy as your Word. Liberates us to worship and serve you.
And may we leave this place strengthened by your presence, encouraged by
your promises, and ready to share portions with those who need to hear
your Word.
We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the living Word made flesh,
who dwelt among us full of grace and truth. Amen
Call to Confession:
In our day-to-day lives, we sin in a multitude of ways by what we have
done and what we have left undone. Confession allows us to unburden
ourselves and what we lay before God our stark humanity. Let us offer our
prayer, knowing that God is merciful and offers forgiveness to all who turn
to God.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we are far from the people you have called us to be. We are
mired in self-centeredness, seeing things only in terms of how they relate
to us and our happiness. Turn our hearts, bent as they are towards
ourselves, out to the world around us.
Make us more concerned with others, with their welfare and
happiness, leaving our own concerns to you, O God. Forgive us for our
many mistakes and make us anew we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hear the good news! God’s promise to forgive is sure and everlasting. You
who are in Christ, know you are forgiven and be at peace.
Loving God, may your Spirit be with us each, showing us your Word
and your Way. Amen
Prayer of the People:
O God, from the beginning of time humanity has called out to you for
help, guidance and care. You have graciously heard our prayers and
worked your good will in the lives of the faithful. Hear us again, Lord as
we pray.
We pray for the world around us that is both filled with incredible beauty
and startling pain. We thank you for the blessings of this world for
family, friends and neighbors, for work that fulfills and provides, and for
the sure and certain knowledge of your presence and care.
We thank you too that you come alongside us in our pain and difficulty and that you
bring light out of darkness.
Teach us each to care for the brokenhearted and to lift up those who
suffer. Teach us to go again and again to the witness of Jesus and live
into the persons he has taught us to be.
We pray for our churches big and small, rural and urban. We pray for all
churches who call on the name of Jesus Christ. May we the body of Christ
be strengthened in its witness and may we glorify you, O God.
May we look more like our Savior and less like the broken world
around us. May we be true to Christ alone.
Free us from distractions that deplete us and guide us away from you. Teach
us to focus on helping others, trusting that you will provide for all we need.
Let our hearts be freed to worship you with all that we are and all that
we have. We ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Prayer Request
Congregation Watchword for the Year
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not
John 14:27
give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and
do not let it be afraid.”
Church Office Hours | Monday | Wednesday | Friday |
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| 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |