Worship Prayers July 9, 2023

 CENTERING PRAYER 

Author of life, you cast your glory all around us; you invade our sleep; you reveal yourself in ancient stories and the give-and-take of common life. By the power of your Spirit, come to us now, for you have called us to this place. We pray in the name of Jesus – our hope, our confidence – and your beloved Son. Amen

CALL TO WORSHIP 

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O God, and all your faithful shall bless you. We are your people, and we worship you, our God.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

O Lord our God, you call us to work for a world where all will be fed and have dignity, but we find ourselves distracted by our own desires. You call us to seek justice and peace, but we are satisfied with injustice and discord. You call us to bring liberty to the oppressed, but we do not insist on freedom for all. Forgive us, O Lord. Turn us to your will by the power of your Spirit, so that all may know your justice and peace. (Silent Confession)

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Philippians 2:5-11

 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION 

Gracious Creator, you have laced our lives with blessing. As we present these offerings, we also tender our lives. Make us your bold and faithful people, willing to go forward in faith wherever you would lead us, that we might be a comfort in the world, in the name of Jesus. 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.