Worship Scripture and Prayers for June 1

 John 17:20-26

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you[a] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

 

 

CENTERING PRAYER* *J. Birch, faithandworship.com

 

Every creature, every plant, every rock and grain of sand proclaims the glory of its Creator, worships through colour, shape, scent and form. A multi-sensory song of praise. Creator God, may we join with the whole of your creation, in praising you, our Creator, through the fragrance and melody of our lives.

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice;

Let the many coastlands be glad!

The heavens proclaim his righteousness;

and all peoples behold his glory.

Come! Let us worship our God together!

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Gracious Creator, you call us to your everlasting springs to be drenched and reformed, but we fail to heed you. We do not turn with love to our neighbors, to ourselves, or to you. Forgive us for our failings, shield us from all evil, and guide us into unity with all for the sake of the whole world. (Silent Confession)

 

 

 

OFFERING

 

Invitation to the Offering

 

Give now with generous hearts

that all people may hear God’s Word

and be helped by the work of this church.

 

 

Prayer after Offering

 

Let us pray…

 

Eternal God,

who brings joy out of sorrow,

plenty out of want,

life out of death:

we thank you for the treasures of the earth,

your creation, filled with your blessing,

for it was in company with these earthly things

that your Son came to dwell,

showing us the enormity of your love.

Because of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead,

we, too, are brought to new life,

called to pray and work for the renewal of others.

Take these offerings for the sake of the one without whom

our poverty would be extreme,

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.