Worship Prayers December 18

 

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.

 

CALL TO WORSHIP – Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy

 

 

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.

 

 

OFFERING

 

All that we have is the Lord’s.

All that we may become and receive is in God’s hands.

For the sake of the joy that is ours when our bonds grow
deep with others,

let us give generously for the well-being of the world.

Please pray with me…

 

Holy God, you bless us with many gifts,

you retrieve us from despair and fear,

you visit us with surprising proclamations,

and you intend for us good things.

We thank you for your steadfast love,

for sending signs of assurance,

and for the gift of faith.

Use our gifts to bring comfort and justice to those in need,

reforming the ways of our world for the sake of new life.

Amen.

For the complete bulletin and order of worship, click here.