Christ Candle for Fall 2017

The Psalmist writes: “Thy word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path”

As this flame shines in our gathering, so may God’s Word of hope and love shine in our hearts.

Guided by God's Light, we center ourselves for worship.

FOr September 17, 2017 -- To Go with JAcob's Dream

OPENING PRAYER

God we gather for worship,

here we sing and pray and listen, we might even dream.

God we gather seeking your comforting presence,

to remind us that we are not alone, to share a blessing.

God we gather to be changed,

to be moved from lives of fear to lives of love.

God we gather to be sent back out,

to share the blessings of life, to remind folks that you are with them, to declare “surely the Lord is in this place”.

We offer these prayers, we offer ourselves, in the name of Jesus, who teaches us to pray saying...

PRAYER FOR AND ASSURANCE OF GRACE

God of grace, like Jacob we sometimes use trickery and deception for personal gain,

assuming that we need to look out for ourselves first.

God of grace, like Rebekah we sometimes plot against others to support a favoured one,

seeing our own agenda, our own hope, as the best way.

God of grace, like Esau we are sometimes overcome by our anger and plot revenge,

because life is unfair and we feel that we have lost something precious.

God of grace, like Jacob we sometimes find ourselves bound by rules that do not allow us to correct the wrongs done to others,

and so withhold blessings that should be shared widely, increasing anger and hurt.

God of grace, we acknowledge our shortcomings and open our hearts and souls to your grace

even as we pledge to live differently, to put aside deception and anger, to work for the advancement of all.

God of grace, in and through your grace and mercy,

forgive us, empower us, move us forward as your beloved children, each of us with our own blessing. Amen.

COMMISSIONING:

Like Jacob, we are people on a journey,

sometimes fleeing from danger, sometimes heading home.

As we journey, we meet other travellers.

Sharing with them the words of comfort we have gained along the path.

And when we find shelter,

we offer a safe place to those who continue to journey.

Journey with God, who guides us, who supports us, who comforts us, who blesses us

Wherever we go. Thanks and praise. Amen.