Opening Prayer
The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. -Habakkuk 2:20 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible All the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O Lord, when they hear the words of Your mouth. Yes, they sing of Your ways, O Lord, for Your glory is great. Though You reign on high, Yet you look upon the lowly, but the proud You know from afar. -Psalm 138: 4-6 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin O that we may all receive of Christ’s fullness, grace upon grace; grace to pardon our sins, and subdue our iniquities; to justify our persons and to sanctify our souls; and to complete that holy change, that renewal of our hearts, whereby we may be transformed into that blessed image wherein thou didst create us. Amen -John Wesley (1703-1791) (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” As he was saying these things, many believed in him. -John 8:28-30 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. -Psalm 86:3 (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 |