PRAYER FOR HOPE
God, when the world is falling to pieces around us,
help us remember that we are people of hope and promise.
When the enemy is at the gates and the world is being changed,
give us the courage to buy a piece of land, trusting that it will be ours again some day.
When we are tempted to give in to despair,
strengthen us and remind us that we are not alone.
God of our past, present and future,
it is a time of uncertainty and we aren't sure what will come next.
And so remind us that there is always hope,
help us believe that all will be well some day. Amen.
BENEDICTION:
In a world where despair and destruction seem to have won,
we go out carrying a word of hope and renewal and growth.
In a time when the future is uncertain,
we trust in the Promise and live as people of Hope.
As people of Hope, go out to perform acts of hope, showing the world that things can, and will, be better.
As people of Hope, we go trusting that God is with us. Amen.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
For September 19, 2010 -- 17th Sunday After Pentecost Year C
NOte: This is a repost as these were also used in 2007 (that post also includes and offering dedication):
PRAYER OF CONFESSION/ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Jesus said: no slave can serve two masters.
And we remember the times our loyalties have been divided between not just two, but many places.
Jesus said: You cannot serve God and wealth.
Ooh, that one hits close to home. We admit that sometimes we have a hard time choosing between those options.
There are so many things that call for our money.
So many times we think of the things we need, so many times we confuse what we need with what we want.
For the times our actions show that our loyalties have been misplaced,
For the times that we choose to honour our wallets and wants over Your cry for justice, forgive us God.
…time of silent confession…
While God asks for our loyalty, perfect performance is never demanded. Even when our thoughts are swayed by worldly concerns God is still there. God is the Master that always welcomes us back with open arms.
We are a forgiven people. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Jesus said: no slave can serve two masters.
And we remember the times our loyalties have been divided between not just two, but many places.
Jesus said: You cannot serve God and wealth.
Ooh, that one hits close to home. We admit that sometimes we have a hard time choosing between those options.
There are so many things that call for our money.
So many times we think of the things we need, so many times we confuse what we need with what we want.
For the times our actions show that our loyalties have been misplaced,
For the times that we choose to honour our wallets and wants over Your cry for justice, forgive us God.
…time of silent confession…
While God asks for our loyalty, perfect performance is never demanded. Even when our thoughts are swayed by worldly concerns God is still there. God is the Master that always welcomes us back with open arms.
We are a forgiven people. Thanks be to God! Amen.
COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION
Whoever is faithful with little will be faithful with much.
We go now, striving to be faithful with what the abundance God has given us.
Go out to be honest stewards, go out to be wise with your gifts.
We go now, striving to put our priorities where our mouths are, seeking to serve but one Master.
Go out knowing that the Creator God, the Redeemer Christ, and the Sustaining Spirit are there to lead and guide you always.
Thanks be to God, the One who we serve. Amen.
Whoever is faithful with little will be faithful with much.
We go now, striving to be faithful with what the abundance God has given us.
Go out to be honest stewards, go out to be wise with your gifts.
We go now, striving to put our priorities where our mouths are, seeking to serve but one Master.
Go out knowing that the Creator God, the Redeemer Christ, and the Sustaining Spirit are there to lead and guide you always.
Thanks be to God, the One who we serve. Amen.
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