Opening Prayer
O God, my soul groans and waits for you. You are my only hope. -Pslam 42:5 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God -Psalm 143: 7-10 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -1 John 1:9 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. -Mark 1: 27-28 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. -Acts 16:25 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Lord our God, we thank you for all you have done for us, for all you are doing for us, for deliverance from need and death. We thank you for all the signs you give us that you hear our prayer when, without wavering or weakening, we set our hopes on you. We thank you that we can be without fear of sin and death, for you stand by us in everything. In spite of our imperfections you show us your goodness again and again. May the light in our hearts never be extinguished, the light that enables us to look into heaven and earth and see the good that is on its way to us today. May joy remain with us, and may we have the strength to be a community that follows the paths of life which bring praise and honor to you. Amen -Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt (1842-1919) |