Worship Prayers for Nov. 20

PRAYER FOR PREPARATION:  Gracious

God, in Jesus Christ you come to seek and save the lost.  You cover us with mercy and uphold us in times of trouble.  Even when evil is all around, you show us a vision of justice and empower us with your own Spirit, so that we do not lose hope.  All thanks and praise to you, O God, for you come to save us and set us free.  Amen.

  

CALL TO WORSHIP

With steadfast love and growing faith, we come as the body of Christ.

         With prayers of love and songs of joy, we come to worship God.

Give thanks, my friends, for the call we have been given.

         Praise and glory the One who calls us to life.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                                                                                                             

O Holy God, our sin is ever before us.  We know that Christ welcomed sinners and ate with outcasts.  Will you welcome us as well?  When wander away, will you welcome our heistant return?  When we forsake commitments, neglect your call to justice, tolerate poverty and hunger, can we be forgiven?  O Holy God, welcome us into your arms of mercy.  Shower us with forgiveness when we need it most.  Help us to respond faithfully, in trust and generosity.  Reorder our lives to your purposes.  Teach us your ways, that we may live.

Click here for Advent Candle lighting ceremony

   PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER                                                                      

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.

[Prayer requests may be given to one of the pastors before the service.]

SCRIPTURE READING                                                                                                    Luke 19:1-10, p. 82