Worship Prayers July 28

 

CENTERING PRAYER 

God of light, you call us to see you as you revealed yourself in the scriptures. Help us feel your illuminating presence in our world and understand what an impact that makes in all that we do. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP 

We come seeking Jesus, the Light of the world! Shine is our hearts Lord Jesus! We believe in the strength of God to illuminate dark places. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness shall not overcome it. Lord, in this hour of worship, kindle in us the light of your love. Let your light shine through us, now and forever.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

God of light, how is it that we feel today the world is in deep darkness, and submerged in sickness, sin, evil, and ignorance? We ask that you forgive our contributions to these feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Encourage us to remember that Christ was also born into this fallen race and yet became the saving light of truth and love. With Christ as our guide, we too can shine and rekindle a spark of hope in the soul of all - so that whosoever believes by grace and through faith, will be removed from the kingdom of darkness, and placed into the brightness of God's eternal light. (Silent Confession)

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH A Brief Statement of Faith 

God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still.

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.