Worship Prayers December 1

Jeremiah 33:14-16

New International Version

1The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.

15 “‘In those days and at that time
    I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
    he will do what is just and right in the land.
16 In those days Judah will be saved
    and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it[a] will be called:
    The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’

CENTERING PRAYER Holy God, you promised us that the day of salvation is near. Keep us faithful in love and watchful in prayer, so we may stand with confidence and joy at the coming of Christ, our redeemer and Lord. Amen. 

 CALL TO WORSHIP – Advent Wreath Lighting Liturgy 

 PRAYER OF CONFESSION Lord, have mercy on us. We are not ready for your coming. We live in sin, as though there was no justice. We live in fear, as though there were no grace. Forgive us, Lord. Show us your mercy and steadfast love. Lead us in your truth, and teach us your paths, for you are the light of the world and the God of our salvation. (Silent Confession)

Daily Prayer November 29

  

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

Daily Readings for Friday, November 29, 2024

• Morning Psalms 84; 148
• First Reading Zechariah 14:1-11
• Second Reading Romans 15:7-13
• Gospel Reading Luke 19:28-40
• Evening Psalms 25; 40

Eternal God, Author of our life and End of our pilgrimage: Guide us by your Word and Spirit amid all perils and temptations, that we may not wander from your way, nor stumble in the darkness; but may finish our course in safety, and come to our eternal rest in you. Eternal God, your hand shaped our lives by grace and your hand rescued us from sin by love. May your hand guide us through this day, shielding us from all evil, strengthening us to do justice and love. Enable us, O God, to do all things as unto you; that small things may be filled with greatness, and great things may be crowned with humility. O God, whom we cannot love unless we love our neighbors, remove hate and prejudice from us and from all people, so that your children may be reconciled with those we fear, resent, or threaten; and live together in your peace. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

With God's help and love may your lives be blessed and your labors fruitful as you offer yourselves gladly in the service of our common Lord.

(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.)

Angel Tree

 THE TRADITION CONTINUES …

The Angel Tree will once again be making an appearance in the Narthex. Please select an angel or two to help provide a Merry Christmas for one or more children. This year, Children’s Ministries has selected Isaiah 58 as the recipient, and they have provided a wish list for our Angel Tree. Especially needed are gifts for teens. Please return your gift ($20-25 range) and place it under the tree with the angel attached by December 15th.

Daily Prayer November 22

  

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a humble spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Daily Readings for Friday, November 22, 2024

• Morning Psalms 88; 148
• First Reading Malachi 3:1-12
• Second Reading James 5:7-12
• Gospel Reading Luke 18:1-8
• Evening Psalms 6; 20

Eternal God, you draw near to us in Christ and make yourself our guest. Amid the cares of our daily lives, make us attentive to your voice and alert to your presence, that we may treasure your word above all else. O God, you are infinite, eternal and unchangeable, glorious in holiness, full of love and compassion, abundant in grace and truth. Your works everywhere praise you, and your glory is revealed

in Jesus Christ our Savior. Therefore we praise you, blessed and holy Trinity, one God, forever and ever. Eternal God, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts, to direct and rule us according to your will, to comfort us in all our afflictions, to defend us from all error, and to lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him.

(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.)

Recycle Caps

 Let’s Recycle Together … plastic caps and lids STILL wanted!

This summer, St. Mark donated another ADA picnic table to Mound Ridge made from the plastic lids you donated. Plastic in our world is not going away anytime soon, so let’s keep it out of the landfill and turn it into something with another useful purpose!

Here are the types of lids we need to collect:

· in general: caps/lids from food grade containers and household items 8” in diameter or smaller

· snap-on lids from butter tubs, coffee cans, yogurt, cottage

cheese, ice cream, whipped topping,

· small twist-off caps: medicine, soda, water, sports drinks, milk

· large twist-off caps: detergent caps, peanut butter

· flip-top caps: ketchup, condiments, dressing

· 6 pack beverage holders – the ones with the solid tops (not the old open ring design)

· “to go” container lids with recycle number of 2, 4, or 5

· other caps and lids with the recycle symbol and recycle number of 2, 4, or 5

Please drop off your caps and lids in the collection bin near the Youth table in the Narthex

Worship Prayers November 17

 CENTERING PRAYER

 

Merciful God, you hear our cries and honor our tears. Stir in us such a passion during worship that we might vow to give you our best, for the glory of your name. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

Let our hearts exult in the LORD;

our strength is exalted in God.

Let our mouths be ever fixed in praise;

God gives us the victory.

There is no Holy One like the LORD;

there is no Rock like our God.

Praise the Lord!

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

O God, who is faithful and just, we fail to help those who have little when we have so much. We are boastful and haughty and fail to appreciate everything you give. Our arrogance leads us away from your righteous way. Forgive us, Merciful God, and lead us to a humble path, for Jesus’ sake. (Silent Confession)

 

 

OFFERING

 

Invitation to the Offering

People of God, the Lord gives us so much. Let us praise the LORD through our gifts for the uplifting of God’s kingdom.

 

Prayer after Offering

 

Let us pray…Dear God, we offer these gifts back to you. Multiply them so that they might help build up your kingdom on earth. All glory, praise, and honor are due to you, now and forever. Amen.

 

Scripture for November 17

  

1 Samuel 1:4-20

4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. 6 Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”

9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”

15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”

18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel,[a] saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

Read full chapter

Daily Prayer November 15

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them and they follow me; and I give them eternal life.

Daily Readings for Friday, November 15, 2024

• Morning Psalms 130; 148
• First Reading Joel 2:28-3:8
• Second Reading James 1:16-27
• Gospel Reading Luke 16:1-9
• Evening Psalms 32; 139

God of our forebears, as your chosen servant Abraham was given faith to obey your call and go out into the unknown, so may your church be granted such faith that we may follow you with courage for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. God of love, as you have given your life to us, so may we live according to your holy will revealed in Jesus Christ. Make us bold to share your life, and show your love, in the power of your Holy Spirit. Mighty God, sovereign over the nations, direct those who make, administer, and judge our laws; the President of the United States and others in authority among us; that, guided by your wisdom, they may lead us in the way of righteousness. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

(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.)

Winter Coats

 Many people in our region lack enough warm clothing to stay protected throughout winter.

New and gently used clean winter coats and clothing are needed for men, women, and kids, all sizes, and styles.

Our mission partners will ensure someone in need receives your gift of warmth!

Daily Prayer November 8

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Daily Readings for Friday, November 8, 2024

• Morning Psalms 51; 148
• First Reading Zephaniah 3:8-13
• Second Reading Revelation 17:1-18
• Gospel Reading Luke 13:31-35
• Evening Psalms 142; 65

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us the desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. God of all times and places, in Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross, you opened for us the path to eternal life. Grant that we, being born again of water and the Spirit, may joyfully serve you in newness of life and faithfully walk in your holy ways. God of all joy, fill our souls to overflowing with the fullness of your grace. Lord, remind us of your triumph over the tragedy of the cross, and your victory for us over the powers of sin and death, so that we may reflect your glory as disciples of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

With God's help and love may your lives be blessed and your labors fruitful as you offer yourselves gladly in the service of our common Lord.

(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.)

NOVEMBER PANTRY NEEDS

• Canned Pasta with Meat

• Canned Vegetables

(no green beans please)

• Canned Chicken & Sardines

• Canned Fruit

• Shampoo and Deodorant*

All year long, we collect food and hygiene items for Circle of Concern and Isaiah 58 Ministries. Please place your donations on the mission table outside the church office.

*Non-food products such as shampoo and deodorant cannot be purchased with food stamps.

Equal Exchange

 Equal Exchange -- In the Narthex on November 10th & PW Boutique

Equal Exchange’s extra virgin olive oil is made from organic Nabali olives, an indigenous Palestinian variety that produces one of the highest quality oils in the world. Cold-pressed with a rich, peppery flavor, this olive oil can be used for cooking, baking, and dipping.

St. Mark supports this mission to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just, environmentally sustainable, and to foster mutually beneficial relationships between small farmers and consumers (that’s us!).

Cash, Credit, Debit, Digital Wallet Payments Accepted

Worship Prayers

 

 

CENTERING PRAYER

 

Dear LORD, you are our only hope. Teach us to put our trust in you. God, you are our help. Teach us the path of righteousness and turn us from the ways of the wicked, for we know you love those who do justice. We will forever praise you for the glory of your righteous reign, now and forever. Amen.

 

--- or ---

“Almighty God, as people go to the polls this day we pray first and foremost for peace. May the sense of community and connection be greater than any division or difference, no matter how entrenched. Knowing we will vote in schools, churches, synagogues, and other communal gathering places, may our commitment to care for one another grow as we stand in lines, talk to our neighbors and recognize we have more in common than we often realize. May we show one another kindness and respect, today and in the days to come.

We thank you for the freedom to vote our conscience, of which you alone are Lord. After this election, we are keenly aware that even if the political rhetoric fades the acrimony it highlighted will remain. Grant us the courage to step into the breaches and not shrink back into our enclaves of homogeneity. Send your Spirit to drive us to the places where you are already working to bring reconciliation. Remind us relentlessly that you are greater than every category we devise, more powerful than any estrangement we have created, eternal, ever present and always calling forth justice, peace and abundant life. Show us today and everyday how to live in the love of Jesus Christ, the perfect love that casts out fear. Amen.” – Rev. Dr. Jill Duffield

 

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 146)

 

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!

I will praise the LORD as long as I live;

I will sing praise to my God all my life long.

Do not put your trust in princes,

in mortals, in whom there is no help.

Happy are those whose hope is in the LORD their God.

The LORD sets the prisoners free;

The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.

The LORD watches over the strangers

and upholds the orphan and the widow,

but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord reigns forever. Praise the LORD!

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

O God, you are ever-faithful, yet we do not love you with our whole hearts. You show us how to love our fellow human beings, yet we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Turn us back to you, O God, that we may follow your commandments; through Christ our LORD. (Silent Confession)

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – WCF SC Q1

 

 

OFFERING

 

Invitation to the Offering

 

Our God is ever-faithful and provides everything we need. Let us praise the LORD through our giving that our offerings may be acceptable to God.

 

Prayer after Offering

 

Let us pray… Dear God, we offer you these gifts hoping to build up the work of your kingdom. Make us living witnesses to the way of your righteous reign. Strengthened by your many blessings may we continue to move onward in faith for the glory of your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.

Scripture for November 3

 Ruth 1:1-18

Naomi Loses Her Husband and Sons

1 In the days when the judges ruled,[a] there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. 2 The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.

3 Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

Naomi and Ruth Return to Bethlehem

6 When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah.

8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”

Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud 10 and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”

11 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? 12 Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons— 13 would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!”

14 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.

15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”

16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

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Naomi entreating Ruth and Orpah to return to the land of Moab by William Blake, 1795