Worship Prayers July 23

 

CENTERING PRAYER Rock of Israel and cornerstone of our common life, you are not bound by our visions, our structures, our doctrine. We cannot predict your coming or going, yet you have given us your story, your family, your work to do. Meet us here. Shape us for service in your world, for we carry the name of Jesus and live by the power of your breath. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP Give ear, O Lord, as your people come to worship you. All you have made will come to worship you, O God, and glorify your name. You are great; you do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach us your ways, O Lord, and we will walk in your truth. You are gracious and full of compassion. We come to worship, rejoicing in your love and cherishing your truth.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Almighty God, you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed. God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. (Silent Confession)

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH from A Brief Statement of Faith We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all the families of the earth. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying “Come, Lord Jesus!”

PRAYER OF DEDICATION Loving and ever-present God, receive these tithes and offerings, our worship, and our lives to your service; in Jesus’ name. Amen. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE 

LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.