Worship Prayers for March 22

***For all activities for Sunday March 29, click here for the links.***

CENTERING PRAYER

Holy God, why is it that we look, but do not see? Bring us again and again into your light until your ways become visible to us, and bear fruit in us. Touch us so that we are utterly changed, “before” and “after,” a “now” and “then”; that we may also say, “One thing I do know,  that though I was blind, now I see.” Lord, we believe; help our unbelief. In Christ’s light, we pray. Amen.

OPENING WORDS / 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

Gracious God, we are people who still love darkness rather than light. We keep shameful deeds secret, but flaunt our occasional acts of virtue. We see ourselves as blameless, but pass judgment on others. We do not stand firmly enough with those who are vulnerable, but step back, protecting ourselves. Forgive us, we pray. Bring us into your light that we may see ourselves rightly. Bring us into your light that we may know ourselves loved. Bring us into your light that we may live more fruitful lives. Keep raising us, we pray, from the deadness of sin, and shine upon us with your grace. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Amen.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

The psalmist assures us that God’s goodness and mercy will follow us, even pursue us, all the days of our life. As God’s forgiven people, receive this goodness and mercy, and live a new life in the grace of Jesus Christ.

We will live as children of the light for Christ shines on us.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles Creed-Contemporary Version

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church*,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

For the video of the worship service and other activities from last week, click here