Cappadocia, Turkey
Opening Prayer
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in your righteousness. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for your name’s sake lead me and guide me. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me. O Lord God of truth. -Psalm 31: 1, 3, 5 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Glory in his holy name; let the heart of those who see the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered. -I Chronicles 16: 10-12 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin To shame our sins He blushed in blood; He closed His eyes to show us God; let all the world fall down and know that none but God such love can show -Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” -Mark 8:38 (Think deeply on the life and words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him -Psalm 28:6-7 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer God of compassion, You sent Jesus to proclaim a time of mercy reaching out to those who had no voice, releasing those trapped by their own shame, and welcoming those scorned by society. Make us ambassadors of reconciliation. Open our ears that we may listen with respect and understanding. Touch our lips that we may speak your words of peace and forgiveness. Warm our hearts that we may bring wholeness to the broken-hearted and dissolve the barriers of division. Guide the work of your Church and renew us with the Spirit of your love. Forgive, restore and strengthen us through our Lord Jesus Christ. -Prayer of Reconciliation 
Phoenix, Arizona
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