Worship Prayers

Photo by N. Douglas

PRAYER IN PREPARATION:  Gracious God, you have brought us to this season of Lent, this time of preparation for crucifixion and resurrection:  Give us courage so to examine ourselves, to be honest about who we are and to what we are called, that we might meet with joy, on Easter morning, our risen Savior; to whom with you and the Spirit, one holy God, be honor and praise, now and forever. Amen

CALL TO WORSHIP

God does not see as mortals see.

We look on the outward appearance; God looks on the heart.

Jesus, Light of the World, give us eyes to see as you see!

Once we lived in darkness, but now—

as children of light, we are called to what is good and right and true.

Jesus, Light of the World, give us eyes to see as you see!

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of compassion, of judgment, of forgiveness:  We pray for new life as we confess our old ways.  You promise us love and peace, but in our self doubt we can scarcely believe it.  You proclaim hope, but we want a guarantee.  You call us to obedience, but we set conditions.  You call us to follow, but we ask “To what end?”  We profess commitment, but we cherish comfort.  Forgive us, God, our reluctance to walk in the way of the cross into newness of life with Christ our Savior.  Amen

SCRIPTURE READING                                                                                                    John 9:1-41, p. 102