Opening Prayer Father God, we need you, our hearts are heavy with the pain and suffering within us and all around us. Help us to trust that you are here now, wanting to meet with us. You are our loving Shepherd, even now we ask that you would be restoring our soul. Open our eyes to see where you are at work within us and around us. -A2J Community (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done. -Psalm 105: 1-5 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me from all my sins -Psalm 39:4-8 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. -John 14:1-3 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for one another. -Ephesians 6:18 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy pride? Christ is risen, and thou art abolished! Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen and the life reigns. For Christ, who rose from the dead, has become the leader and reviver of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages! Amen. -John Chrysostom (347-407) |