Worship Prayer July 22

CENTERING PRAYER  So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Lighten, if it be your will, the pressure of the world’s care, and, above all, reconcile us to your will, and give us a peace which the world cannot take away; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. – Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847)

     

CALL TO WORSHIP

Come into the presence of the Most High God with songs of praise and shouts of thanksgiving.

        For our Savior frees us from slavery;

our Savior heals our diseases;

        our Savior is our peace.

You are a holy temple in the Lord Jesus Christ.                        

        Come; let us worship God.

 

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, your steadfast love endures forever. We confess that we act as if we are in control and you will bless whatever we do.  If we think of others at all, it is with an eye toward their usefulness to us.  If we consider your creation, it is to ponder what benefits us. We have failed to show your love or to do justice in obedience to you.  We have no right to be called your children.

Have mercy on us, God of grace.  Forgive our sins, we humbly pray.  Put the mind of Christ within us, O God, so that our lives take the form of a cross.  Use us to break down walls of hostility within the church, among the nations, and around the world.  Equip us to do your will, giving you glory, honor, and praise together with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. (Silent Confession.)

SCRIPTURE READING                                                             Mark 6:30-43

  

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

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