Worship Prayers Dec. 22

CENTERING PRAYER

Eternal God of power and grace, who comes to us in surprising ways— in angel appearances, in defeat of enemies, and in resurrection from the dead— show us the face of Immanuel in our time. Bring us from fear to awe, we pray; in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Shepherd of Israel, God of hosts, we turn away from you, neglecting the welfare of your creation, ignoring the plight of your people, trampling on the creatures and the plants you made, taking from Earth what we cannot give back.

We do not help our neighbors in need, keep peace within our families, or tend the vine you plant in our own lives. Forgive us and lead us to a more gracious life. In your compassion, turn us to your way. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. (Silent Confession)

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Scots Confession 3.06

When the fullness of time came God sent his Son, his eternal wisdom, the substance of his own glory, into this world, who took the nature of humanity from the substance of a woman, a virgin, by means of the Holy Ghost. And so was born the “just seed of David,” the “Angel of the great counsel of God,” the very Messiah promised, whom we confess and acknowledge to be Emmanuel, true God and true man, two perfect natures united and joined in one person.

Click here for the sermon "Name above all Names."