Worship Prayers for July 3

PRAYER IN PREPARATION:  Gracious God.  On this date in particular, we give thanks for this country.  We thank you for the ideals of freedom and equality and inclusion that this country seeks to have.  We pray for our leaders and ask that you guide them in making wise decisions that benefit the whole, not just a few.  And we ask that you help us discern the division between country and faith so that all may have the same freedoms we so enjoy. 

CALL TO WORSHIP

We came from all places and all peoples to gather here today.
         Some of us traveled across the ice, others came later in boats, 
         still others of us waded rivers or arrived in planes.
We found a land blessed.
         Blessed with mountains and valleys, rivers and oceans,
         fertile earth, wonderful woods, and promising cities.
Here, a dream was born.
         A dream of freedom from all oppression,
         A dream of hope for our children,
         A dream of people in community under God.

We have turned to nations and peoples who gave us birth:

         Send us the voiceless.
         Send us the fearful.
         Send us the oppressed.

And so the dream continues… 
         And so the dream of America continues… 
         God, help us to do your work until your dreams come true… 

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Gentle God, who sees into the heart of each of us: we lay open before you now our very selves.  You see our failings, our weaknesses, the ways we are less than you have called us to be.  Help us, also, to see our brokenness and need of you.  And then, Gentle God, what you see, forgive; what you forgive, love; and what you love, redeem and make new.  This we ask through Jesus, who came to bring wholeness of life.

For Susan Hayes sermon, Click here.