Worship Prayers April 30

CENTERING PRAYER

 

Good Shepherd, you call us by name, and we know your voice. Open the gate for us, that we may come and go freely, have life, and have it abundantly. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 23)

 

The Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want.

He makes us lie down in green pastures;

he leads us beside still waters;

he restores our souls.

He leads us in right paths for his name’s sake.

God delivers us through dark valleys

and saves us from our enemies.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us

all the days of our lives,

and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord

our whole lives long.

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Holy One, we confess to you and to one another that we do not follow Christ’s example. Instead of turning the other cheek, we strike back at our enemies. Instead of offering up ourselves to those in need, we hoard your blessings. Instead of walking the extra mile to help others, we sit down in our complacency. We continually go astray. Lead us back into your fold and guard our souls. (Silent Confession)

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed.

 

 

OFFERING

 

Church, our God prepares a table before us and our cup overflows. Let us give generously from our common wealth, as our way of praising God and helping those in need. Let us pray…

 

Holy and generous God, you anoint us, and we are yours. Bless these tithes, gifts, and offerings that they may become green pastures and still waters for any and all who need your comfort and restoration. Amen.

 

Scripture for April 29 and 30

 John 10:1-10

Oratorio de la Santa Cueva.
Cádiz, España

The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

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Daily Prayers April 28

Daily Readings for Friday, April 28, 2023

• Morning Psalms 96; 148
• First Reading Daniel 6:1-15
• Second Reading 2 John 1-13
• Gospel Reading Luke 5:12-26
• Evening Psalms 49; 138

You, O Lord, are full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, and rich in kindness.

God our creator, you made all things in your wisdom, and in your love you save us. We pray for the whole creation. Overthrow evil powers, right what is wrong, feed and satisfy those who thirst for justice, so that all your children may freely enjoy the earth you have made, and joyfully sing your praises. Take all our doubts and uncertainties, O God, and fill us with such faith that we may be confident of your love and loyal in the service of him who died and yet lives for us, Jesus Christ the Lord. Merciful God, you bear the pain of the world. Look with compassion on those who are sick; cheer them by your word, and bring healing as a sign of your grace. God of comfort, stand with those who sorrow; that they may be sure that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, shall separate them from your love. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

As God's own, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, and patience, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you, and crown all these things with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

Worship Prayers

 CENTERING PRAYER

 

God of signs and wonders, you reveal to us the good news that Jesus Christ is your son and our Savior. Strengthen our faith, that we may have life in Christ’s name. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

Blessed be the God of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

God gives us a new birth in the living hope of the resurrection.

This inheritance is imperishable and unfading.

In this we rejoice, even when we suffer trials.

For although we have not seen Jesus, we love him;

and although we have not seen him, we believe in him.

For the outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls.

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

God, you made known to us the ways of life. Yet, too often, we put other things above you and turn away from the ways of life to the ways of death. Forgive us and guide us back into your presence, that we may know the fullness of joy. (Silent Confession)

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Heidelberg Catechism Question One 

 

Q. What is your only comfort, in life and in death?   

 

A. That I belong--body and soul, in life and in death--not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.  

 

 

OFFERING

 

Children of God, we have no good apart from the Lord. Let us always be mindful of God’s love and give generously from all we’ve received, that others may also accept blessings from the fullness of God. Let us pray…

 

Generous God, you are our portion and our cup. In you our hearts are glad, our souls rejoice, and our bodies rest. Bless and multiply our tithes, offerings, and gifts, that they may bring the joy of your presence more deeply into the world. Amen.

Scripture for April 22 and 23

 Luke 24:13-35

Jesus and the two disciples 
On the Road to Emmaus,
by Duccio, 1308–1311,
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena

On the Road to Emmaus

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

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Daily Prayer April 21

Daily Readings for Friday, April 21, 2023

• Morning Psalms 96; 148
• First Reading Daniel 3:1-18
• Second Reading 1 John 3:1-10
• Gospel Reading Luke 3:15-22
• Evening Psalms 49; 138

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

God, our creator, you have given us work to do and call us to use our talents for the good of all. Guide us as we work, and teach us to live in the Spirit who made us your sons and daughters, in the love that made us sisters and brothers. Remember, O God, your church. Unite it in the truth of your Word and empower it in ministry to the world. Remember the world of nations. By your Spirit renew the face of the earth; let peace and justice prevail. Remember our family and friends. Bless them and watch over them; be gracious to them and give them peace. Remember the sick and the suffering, the aged and the dying. Encourage them and give them hope. Rejoicing in the communion of saints, we remember with thanksgiving all your faithful servants, whom you have called from this life. We are grateful that for them death is no more, nor is there sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

Red Cross Blood Drive

 

St Mark’s second Blood Drive for 2023 is on April 23rd from 8:30 AM-1:30 PM in Gleason Hall at 601 Claymont Dr. Ballwin, MO.

Many businesses & organizations across our community are still experiencing many post-pandemic challenges, the Red Cross is no different. We are all learning how to live in this new environment especially how we make a difference in the lives of others. Donating blood does make a difference especially in the lives of those experiencing various illnesses, cancer, life-saving surgeries, blood disorders & a multitude of accidents. Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled & can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors. Now more than ever, we must band together & take care of our community. Please help us help others by going to http://www.redcrossblood.org/Donate/Blood and enter: Saintmarkpres to make an appointment today. First time donors are always welcome. We will guide & support you through this new experience.

Hope to see you on April 24th !!!!

Worship Prayers April 16

 CENTERING PRAYER 

God of signs and wonders, you have revealed to us that Jesus Christ is your son and our Savior. Strengthen our faith, that we may have life in Christ’s name. Amen. 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

Blessed be the God of our Savior, Jesus Christ! 

God has given us a new birth in the living hope of the resurrection.  

God has given us an inheritance that is imperishable and unfading.  

In this we rejoice, even when we suffer trials.  

For although we have not seen Jesus, we love him; and although we have not seen him, we believe in him.  

For the outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls. 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION  

God, you have made known to us the ways of life. Yet, too often, we put other things above you and turn away from the ways of life and toward the ways of death. Forgive us and guide us back into your presence, that we may know the fullness of joy. (silent confession)

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 

Q. What is our chief end? 

A. Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. 

 

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING  

Sisters and brothers, we have no good apart from God. Therefore let us keep God at the forefront of our minds and give generously from all that we have been given, that others may also receive from the fullness of God. Let us pray.

 

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING/ DEDICATION  

Generous God, you are our portion and our cup. In you our hearts are glad, our souls rejoice, and our bodies rest. Bless and multiply our offerings and pledges that they may bring the joy of your presence more deeply into the world. Amen.