Opening Prayer
Be still, my soul! The Lord is on thy side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to thy God to order and provide; in every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. -Katharina Von Schlegel (1697-1768) (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. -Psalm 139: 7-12 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Search me thoroughly, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. -Psalm 139: 23-24 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. -Mark 13:1-5 (Think deeply on the life and words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. -I Thessalonians 5:17-18 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Gather Your scattered, broken flock. Common causes fail to hold us. Rival leaders divide us. Lift Your voice like a mighty shepherd. Assemble us as one united flock. Make Your presence known and lead us. -Seek God for the City, 2011 |