With your presence, Lord, our Head and Savior,
bless them all we humbly pray;
Our dear heavenly father’s love and favor
be their comfort every day.
May God’s spirit now in each proceeding
favor them with his most gracious leading
thus, shall they be truly blessed
both in labor and in rest.
Almighty God, we confess that we have tried to run away and hide from you. We constantly deceive ourselves into thinking that we can live without you.
We have made idols of our own achievements. We have treated other persons as though they did not bear your image. We have failed to enfold and include all persons within the outstretched and open arms of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
And we have left undone those deeds of lovingkindness and godly justice that you want us to pursue in your name. Bring your Spirit upon us in a gracious, healing way. Make us agents of reconciliation as we live within your holy presence. Amen
We thank you, gracious God, for establishing the church as a single body of
interdependent members, each having a place and purpose.
We know that we need each other and are called to appreciate the great
variety of gifts you have given us to use.
Help us to rejoice with those who are feeling joy and delight.
Help us to sing with those who are singing your love and praise.
Help us to taste the agony of those who are hurting.
Help us to share the burden of those who are in distress.
Take away jealousy and resentment from our hearts when we see others achieving success.
Fill us with that spirit of unity in Christ that lets us see and feel and know that we all belong to you through the grace we have received.
Teach us to know and love the world-wide church called out of all peoples and nations. Make visible the unity that you desire as we express a spirit of
reconciliation in all our relationships. Show us that we are part of the one and only body of Jesus Christ, unified by faith, scattered for witness and service.
Lead us to appreciate the richness of our diversity and your creative power at work in our various traditions and customs. Make us all one with you by the inspiration and
guidance of your Spirit. Lead us into lives worthy of our calling in Christ, with all lowliness, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another in love, and eager to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. We pray for this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Watchword for the Week
Jesus says, “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” John 15:4.
Daily Watchword
Moses said, “Take to heart all the words that I am giving in witness against you today. This is no trifling matter for you, but rather your very life.” Deuteronomy 32:46,47
Doctrinal Text
Jesus said, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” John 6:63
Prayer for Today
Sacred Word, speak to us today. Give us life, give us peace and guide us ever
onwards toward the day we may see your perfect will done on earth. Amen
Congregation Watchword for the Year
The Lord will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:1
