Opening Prayer
“When God looks at you, there is a smile on His face. He embraces you in love, sets a place for you at His table, serves you with His own hands, converses and delights Himself with you incessantly, and invites you to be part of His loving actions in the world.” -Brother Lawrence (1614-1691) (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible If it had not been the Lord who was on our side-- let Israel now say—if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. -Psalm 124: 1-8 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin We have sinned with our fathers; we have committed iniquity and acted wickedly. Lord have mercy -Psalm 106:6 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. -Mark 2:13-14 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests me made known to God. -Philippians. 4:6 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, You have called us to be your disciples Help us to remain so, through the many ups and downs of life. Grant us the grace of stability and fidelity to you, that we may faithfully follow you now and always. For the sake and glory of your name. Amen -Common Worship |