Call to Worship: God says welcome!

Here’s an opening call to worship from Steve Collins and the Small Ritual website.

Call to Worship

to those who creep towards the kingdom
god says welcome
to those who rush towards the kingdom
god says welcome
to all of you, however you come, in speed and sloth,
god says welcome
to the door and the arms that are always open wide

— written by Steve Collins, and posted on the Small Ritual website. http://www.smallritual.org/


Litany: An Invitation to Trust

Here’s a thoughtful litany inspired by Mark 4:35-41, the account of Jesus calming the storm.  It was written by Connie R. Burkholder, from the Monitor Church of the Brethren in McPherson, Kansas.

Invitation to Trust
(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

When dangers invade our sense of safety
and we wonder if our Redeemer cares,
we hear the invitation:
Be at peace. Be calm.

When we face job loss and financial downturns,
and our sense of security is shaky,
we hear the invitation:
Be at peace. Be calm.

When our congregations experience distress, conflict,
and loss of significant leadership,
we hear the invitation:
Be at peace. Be calm.

When controversial issues and rigidity of spirit
threaten to tear at the very fabric of the faith community,
we hear the invitation:
Be at peace. Be calm.

When our lives feel chaotic and desolate
because of illness or sorrow,
we hear the invitation:
Be at peace. Be calm.

Help us to know, O God, that the one who calmed the dangerous sea is present with us, cares for us, and can calm the stormy waters of our lives. Help us to trust more fully and more deeply in you. We pray in the name of Jesus, who invites us to be at peace. Amen.

— written by Connie R. Burkholder, Monitor Church of the Brethren in McPherson, Kansas.  Posted on the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren website.  http://rockhay.tripod.com/


Confession: Proper 7 B

Here’s a prayer of confession and words of assurance based on the suggested texts for Proper 7 B.  They come from the Ministry Matters website.

Prayer of Confession
(based on Mark 4:35-41)

Merciful God,
when lashed by life’s windstorms
we often lash out in return.
Forgive us
when we blame you or others
for our troubles.
Teach us to find you
in the eye of the storm.
Show us the calm center
that comes from a word of peace.

Words of Assurance
(inspired by 2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

Hear the witness of scripture:
God listens; God helps. Now is the day of salvation.
Open wide your hearts and receive God’s forgiveness.
Amen.

— Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2012, © 2011 Abingdon Press. Posted on the Worship Elements page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/


Prayer: Loving Through the Storm

Here’s a thoughtful prayer inspired by Mark 4:35-41, the account of Jesus calming the storm.  It was written by John van de Laar.

Loving Through the Storm
(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

The worst storms, Jesus, are the ones caused
by our fear,
when we grow afraid of losing our power,
or we grow suspicious of the power of others,
when we refuse to acknowledge your mysterious authority;

Yet, it's in the storm that we find our capacity to love.
In releasing our weak claim to power
and opening to your reign,
we discover a new way of seeing ourselves -
as called and useful and beloved -
and the other, whoever they may be -
as dignified and precious and beloved.

Here in the storm, Jesus, we need you, and we need each other,
and the love you give us to share,
leads us through sacrifice and self-giving
to peace and calm,
if only we will loose our hold on fear.

Amen.

— written by John van de Laar.  Posted on his excellent Sacredise.com website.


Act of Confession: Proper 7 B

Here’s a thoughtful act of confession for Proper 7 B (Ordinary 12 B).  It was written by Thom Shuman.

Call to Reconciliation
We let fears control us, we let doubt become the way of life for us. If we but look, we will see our lives, and our world, cradled in God's loving hands. Let us confess our lack of faith, even as we trust the One who has promised to listen to our words, as well as our hearts. Join me as we confess together, saying,

Unison Prayer of Confession
They can be such giants in our lives, God of Grace. Each day, our fears, our doubts, our worries wash over us, until we come to believe that you do not care for us. There seems to be so much wrong in the world, we are convinced that there is nothing good we can do. The storms of sin and temptation batter at us, and we cower, unable to find the faith to withstand them.


Forgive us, God of Hope. Remind us that if we but open our hearts, you will heal us. If we but listen to your words, we will hear peace and joy. If we but open our lives to you, we can go forth to serve our sisters and brothers, even as we have been served by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.


Silence is kept
Assurance of Pardon
With calming words,
with a peaceful Spirit,
with overflowing love and hope,
our God forgives us and fills us with faith.
Our God affirms us for who we are—
those whose brokenness is made whole,
whose sin is forgiven,
whose lives overflow with faith.
Thanks be to God!  Amen.

— written by Thom Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/


Prayer of Praise: Psalm 9: 9-20

Here’s a prayer of praise and adoration inspired by Psalm 9:9-20.  It would also make a wonderful start to a prayer of intercession.  It was written by Moira Laidlaw.

Prayer of Praise and Adoration
(inspired by Psalm 9: 9-20)

Gracious and loving God,
you enabled the Psalmist to turn to you,
confident that all his cries and prayers
would be heard by you and answered by you. 
Prayers uttered in the belief that you would not permit evil and despair
to have the last word. 

We offer our prayers in that same belief,
and with even greater confidence,
for in Jesus you have made known your great love for all people. 
He bears our burdens in times of trouble and through his sacrificial love,
our lives are blessed, strengthened, and empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

For these great gifts,
we offer our thanksgiving, our praise, our adoration,
and this prayer,
in Jesus’ name.  Amen.
  
— written by Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online.  Visit that site for many other lectionary-based worship resources.  http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/

Call to Worship: Mark 4: 35-41

Here’s a call to worship based on Mark 4:35-41, the account of Jesus calming the storm.

Call to Worship
(based on Mark 4:35-41)

In the midst of life’s storms, God is there.
What have we to fear?
In the darkness and terror, God is with us.
Of whom shall we be afraid?
Rise up, people of God, for you are loved and saved.
Thanks be to God who cares deeply for us. Amen.

— written by Nancy C. Townley, on the Worship Connection page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/


Prayers of the People: Proper 7 B

Here’s a prayer of intercession for the fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7 B).  It was written by Rev. Richard Fairchild, and posted on his Kir-shalom website.

Prayers of the People
(inspired by 1 Samuel 17:32-49)

Our faith in your power and your providence, O God, is strengthened today in our reflection upon the experience of David in his encounter with the giant Goliath.  You remind us that there is nothing in all creation that is more powerful than your word in all its two-edged glory.  By it Jesus calmed the storm; by it he healed and made people whole—and by it we too are sustained from day to day and from minute to minute.  Help us, O God, to cling to your living word—and to root ourselves in it—that we may be a people who overcome all the trials and tribulations that come upon us. 
Lord hear our prayer....

We are reminded today, O God, of how the strong can be defeated by the weak, of how the exalted and the mighty can be overcome by those who are humble and lowly—and we thank you for this.  We pray, O God, for all those today who are oppressed, as Israel was oppressed in Egypt, we pray for those who must contend with forces greater than they—grant them faith and in faith, grant them courage; act for them, and in them, to bring about their liberation. 
Lord hear our prayer....

We pray today, O God for all those who live in fear and insecurity—for those who need encouragement, for those who need our help and the help of their neighbours and their communities if they are to know life in its fullness. 
Lord, hear our prayer...

We ask it through Jesus Christ our Lord—saying together the prayer he taught us:  Our Father….

— written by Rev. Richard Fairchild, and posted on Kir-shalom. http://www.rockies.net/


Sending Words: 2 Corinthians 6: 1-8

Here’s a commission and benediction based on 2 Corinthians 6:1-8.  It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Commission & Benediction
(based on 2 Corinthians 6:1-8)

Put obstacles in no one’s way,
but rejoice in purity, knowledge, patience, kindness,
holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech,
and the power of God.
Go in peace.

— Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2012, © 2011 Abingdon Press. Posted on the Worship Elements page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/


Prayers of the People: Psalm 9

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by Psalm 9. It was written by Jeff Shrowder.

Prayer of Intercession
(based on Psalm 9:13-14, 18-19) 

Be gracious, O LORD,
and look upon your church throughout the world,
guiding its search for the unity
for which Jesus prayed.
Rise up, O Lord,
and hear our prayer.

Be gracious, O LORD,
and look upon the distress of those
who are persecuted for their faith;
those whose path ahead seems dim;
those who are victims of oppressive relationships.
Look upon the needy,
that they may know the warmth of your faithfulness,
that their hope may not be snuffed out
like a fitful candle flame
Rise up, O Lord,
and hear our prayer.

Be gracious, O LORD,
and look upon those whom we name today
and those named in our hearts,
that in the darkness of their circumstance,
they may feel the gentle light of your presence.
Rise up, O Lord,
and hear our prayer.

Lord God,
let your glory appear among us
and make us sharers of your eternity,
with all your saints,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

— Copyright © Jeff Shrowder, on The Billabong website. http://thebillabong.info/  For use in worship with acknowledgement.


Call to Worship: Psalm 9

Here’s a responsive call to worship based on Psalm 9:9-20. It was written by L.G. Parkhurst.

Responsive Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 9:9-20)

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion.
Declare his deeds among the peoples.
He does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
Be gracious to me, O Lord.
You are the one who lifts me up,
so that I may recount all your praises
and rejoice in your deliverance.

— © Copyright 2007 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. Posted on A Psalm and A Prayer website. http://psalmsandprayers.com/


Prayer of Confession: Proper 7 B

Here’s a prayer of confession for the fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Year B). 

Prayer of Confession
(inspired by 1 Samuel 17:32-49)

O God, sometimes we are like David, and sometimes Goliath:
forgive us for our two-sided nature.
We face the powerful with righteous anger,
but cling to any sense of power that we attain.
We are grateful when grace is extended to us,
yet remain absent-minded of this when others have wronged us.
We treat our own as family, yet ignore sisters and brothers
whom we see only from a distance.  
As people of paradox, we long for oneness with ourselves and others,
with Christ and creation,
so that justice and love may flow freely. 

Assurance of Pardon
(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

With Christ as the uniting element,
God’s grace washes upon the turbulent shores of our lives;
and we are forgiven to begin again
to live at peace with ourselves and others,
with Christ and creation,
allowing justice and love to flow freely through our lives. 
Let’s offer each other a sign of Christ’s peace.

— written by Rev. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, and posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/


Prayer of the Day: Proper 7 B

Keeper of our lives,
you know the hardness and gentleness of human hearts.
You call your people to faithful living.
Through the storms of life
that bring suffering and fear, joy and laughter,
teach us to turn to you for all we need,
so that we may come to know your presence
even in the midst of the trials that surround us. Amen.

— from from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.  Posted on Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.


Prayer of Trust

Here’s a thoughtful prayer of trust from Bruce Prewer.

Prayer of Trust

Loving God, when we are inclined to worry or panic,
speak with authority to us.
Speak directly through Jesus so that fears may be confronted
and our faith reinstated.
Through him and in him let us spend our days and nights
with the courage and peace of those who know
they are being saved and sustained
by an imperturbable grace.
And to you be the glory and praise;
Amen!

— written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page.  http://www.bruceprewer.com/


Confession & Assurance: Proper 7 B

Here’s a prayer of confession and words of assurance based on the suggested scripture readings for Proper 7 B.

Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Psalm 9:9-20, Mark 4:35-41)

Merciful God, we share the conviction of the Psalmist that you are our stronghold in times of trouble and we rejoice over the evidence of such care for us and for all people which we experience in Jesus.  Yet, we confess how easily we identify with the fear of the disciples when they were caught in the storm; like them, our faith falters and our anxiety levels soar when life becomes too turbulent for us.  We fail to remember that Jesus demonstrated that your power, O God, can bring peace even into the stormiest situations.  And so, time and again, the stresses of living and working and learning threaten to swamp us.  Our lives sometimes feel as though they are spinning out of control with worries over health, relationships, finances, the state of the world.... We forget that Jesus is in our midst calming our fears and strengthening us especially when we feel most vulnerable and fearful and weak.  

(a time of silence )

Gracious God, forgive us all our fears and weaknesses, we pray.  Renew and strengthen our faith in the living Christ so that we can live empowered by his presence.   This we pray in Jesus’ name.

Assurance of Forgiveness
(Romans 10:9; 2 Corinthians 6:2)

As the Apostle Paul wrote:  “If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved” (Romans 10: 9). The good news therefore is this: “now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!”  (2 Corinthians 6:2)  

Thanks be to God!

— written by Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online.  Visit that site for many other lectionary-based worship resources.  http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/

Prayer of Confession: Proper 7 B

Here’s an act of confession based on the suggested scripture readings for Proper 7 B (the fourth Sunday after Pentecost).  It was written by Nancy C. Townley.

Prayer of Confession
(inspired by 1 Samuel 17:32-49, Mark 4:35-41)

God of love and power, we listen to the stories of miracles and doubt that these things can happen today. We look at the waves of misfortune, distress, misery, distrust, and anger and wonder how we can still those waves. We feel the pressures of power and fear flooding into our lives, threatening to drown us and wonder where you are. Forgive us for the littleness of our faith. Forgive us for our doubts. Help us to place out trust in you, Lord Jesus. Help us to fix our eyes on you and on the ministries to which you have called us. For we ask these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Words of Assurance
(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

Fear not!
God is with us, stilling the storms and raging fears in our lives.
Place your trust in God always. Amen.

— written by Nancy C. Townley, on the Worship Connection page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/


Call to Worship, Prayer: Proper 7 B

Here’s a responsive call to worship and prayer of approach for the fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7 B, Ordinary 12 B).  They were written by Rev. Richard Fairchild, and posted on Kir-shalom.

Responsive Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 9:9-20)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
God does not let us be put to shame,
nor does he let our enemies triumph over us.
The Lord our God listens to the cries of his people.
He is swift to answer those who call upon his name.
The Lord our God is strong
and sure to save us when we are in distress. 
God's steadfast love endures forever. 
His faithfulness extends to our children's children.

Prayer of Approach

Most Loving and Compassionate God—Spirit of Truth and of Love—we come before you in humble adoration knowing our need for your grace, your mercy, and your strength.  Grant us these things by the power of your Holy Spirit. Illuminate our hearts and minds and souls that we might better follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ our Saviour and more worthily magnify your most holy name.  Help us celebrate what you have done for us and what you have promised to us—both now—and forevermore.  Amen.

— written by Rev. Richard Fairchild, and posted on Kir-shalom. http://www.rockies.net/

Prayer of Intercession: Proper 7 B

Here’s a prayer of intercession for the fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7 B, Ordinary 12).  It was written by Paul Sauer.

Prayers of the People: Proper 7 B

Heavenly Father, when you answered suffering Job out of the whirlwind, you challenged him to see you as Creator God. When we suffer and complain, help us note your wondrous work throughout the universe, and give you thanks for caring about us in the middle of it all.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

Lord of all nations, give us courage to trust you (like David before Goliath), to face danger unafraid, and to believe in your providence.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

Holy Spirit, mighty God, you still the storm with a whisper, for you are good. Still the storms that rage within us.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

Lord Jesus Christ, giver of God's grace, open our hearts to receive you in faith, to do your work on earth, and to give thanks for every daily opportunity to be your person.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

Lord Jesus Christ, as you calmed the sea, still the storms within us and around us, both in our personal lives and in our church lives, and when you say, “Peace! Be still!” may we obey.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

Lord Jesus Christ, all of us know the pains of illness, separation, loneliness and death. Hear us as we name those with difficulties who need your Holy Spirit's presence, and your healing touch _____.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

The love of God has won. The new life has begun. Amen.

— written by Paul Sauer, and posted on the Lutheran Forum website. http://www.lutheranforum.org/ 


Contemporary Call to Worship: Psalm 20

Here’s a contemporary call to worship inspired by Psalm 20:7-8.  It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Contemporary Call to Worship
(inspired by Psalm 20)

Some boast of their motor cars, and some of their mansions,
but we boast of the name of the Lord of hosts!
Should all else collapse in a heap,
we shall stand up tall.

Do not be impressed by the outward appearance of a person,
for God does not see like we do, but looks into the heart.
If anyone travels with Christ, there is a new creation,
old things are obsolete, all things become new.

Let us worship this God who looks into the human heart
and through Christ Jesus makes all things new.

— written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page.  http://www.bruceprewer.com/


Prayer of the Day: Proper 6 B

Here’s a prayer based on the suggested scripture readings for the second Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5 B).  It was written by Thom Shuman.

Prayer of the Day
(inspired by 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Mark 4:26-34)

Holy One:
you anoint us with living water,
so we may go to serve the world
in these troubled days.
You open our eyes
so we will see everyone
as our sisters and brothers.

Seed Planter:
you place faith
deep within us,
so we can bear witness
to your just and loving kingdom.
Your love regulates our hearts,
so we can welcome all
in your name.

Gentle Spirit:
when we cannot see the way,
you take us by the hand
so we can step forward,
in faith,
into the kingdom.
You fill us with hope,
so we can sing God's joy
all of our days.

God in Community, Holy in One,
hear us as we pray as Jesus has taught us,
Our Father…

— written by Thom Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/  


Call to Worship, Prayer: Psalm 92

Here’s a call to worship and opening prayer inspired by Psalm 92 and 95. They were written by Joanna Harader.

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 92 and Psalm 95)

Come, let us sing to Yahweh;
Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into the Divine presence with thanksgiving;
Let us make a joyful noise to God with songs of praise!
It is good to give you thanks, O Yahweh;
To sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
to the music of the lute and harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
For you, O God, have made us glad by your work;
At the works of your hands we sing for joy.

Opening Prayer
(inspired by Psalm 92, Psalm 95, and Psalm 19:14)

Holy, Creating, Creative God,
We sing from the depths of our sorrow.
We sing from the abundance of our joy.
We sing in voices separate and unique.
We sing with one voice as your body.
May the words of our mouths, whether in speech or song,
and the meditations of our hearts, whether in prose or poetry,
be pleasing in your sight. Amen.

— written by Joanna Harader, and posted on the Spacious Faith blog. http://spaciousfaith.com/


Opening Prayer: Mark 4

Here’s an opening prayer based on the scripture texts for the third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6 B, Ordinary 11 B).  It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Opening Prayer
(inspired by Mark 4:26-34)

God of small seeds and mighty plants, you take our meager lives and with your love cause them to produce acts of loving kindness for you in this world. You hear our cries and find us when we are lost and wandering in fear. You bring us home with you so that we may be made whole, rejoicing in your goodness. Help us to joyfully serve you all our days, knowing that you are always watching over us. Prepare our hearts to receive your word and our spirits to respond in eagerness to serve you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

— written by Nancy C. Townley, on the Worship Connection page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/


Prayer of Approach

Here’s a prayer of approach and confession from the Starters for Sunday website.  It was written by Tom Gordon.

Prayer of Approach, Adoration and Confession

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known and from whom no secrets are hidden, we rejoice to be as one in your great human family on earth and in heaven, invited by you into your holy presence, to worship and adore you, as the rainbow people of God.

We approach you, Holy God, the God who keeps the mystery of divinity but who shows us though your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, what it is to be divinely human;

We adore you, Creator God, who has made each of us according to your plan; we come from far and wide, with ease and at great cost, with hope and concern to apply ourselves to heed your call.

We draw near to you, understanding God; help us not to covet yesterday but to dream of a new tomorrow, so that all might be welcome in your community of faith; so that the whole world may know your love.

We look upon you, tender God, the God we keeps loving us despite our failures; we bow our hearts and minds in humility, trusting in your forgiveness, leaning on your promise of welcome.

We need you, loving God, now more than ever; lover of all, we come to you, conscious of our need of you and one another; with a wish to play our part in your mission and yet recognizing our own frailties. We ask that by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

— written by Tom Gordon, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/ Visit that website for other excellent lectionary-based worship resources.


Contemporary Call to Worship: Mark 4

Here’s a contemporary call to worship based on Mark 4:26-34.  It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Contemporary Call to Worship
(inspired by Mark 4:26-32)

Called to be branches in Christ’s body,
we yearn to be connected to the vine.
Called to be mustard bushes offering shade to God’s creatures,
we search for places to plant the seeds of faith.
Called to be growing with God in the midst of this world’s painful questions,
we seek God’s nurturing presence.

— written by Katherine Hawker for the Union Church UCC of Tekonsha. Posted on Liturgy Outside. http://liturgyoutside.net/


Prayer of the Day: Proper 6 B

Here’s a prayer of petition based on the suggested scripture readings for the third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6 B, Ordinary 11 B). 

Prayer of the Day
(inspired by Mark 4:26-34; 1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Mighty God,
to you belong the mysteries of the universe.
You transform shepherds into kings,
the smallest seeds into magnificent trees,
and hardened hearts into loving ones.
Bless us with your life-giving Spirit,
re-create us in your image,
and shape us to your purposes,
through Jesus Christ. Amen.

— from from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.  Posted on Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.


Prayers of the People: Proper 6 B

Here’s a prayer of intercession for the third Sunday after Pentecost, Year B (June 17, 2012).  It was written by Paul Sauer.

Prayer of Intercession: Proper 6 B

Lord God, you insert yourself into the affairs of humankind through Jesus, the Messiah, because no earthly leaders are able to redeem the world you love so deeply. You have spoken. You will accomplish it.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

Heavenly Father, even as you planted the majestic cedar tree and made it tall, so you also have brought us forth to bear fruit, in every age---even in old age.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

Lord Jesus Christ, help us look at you and others with the spiritual eyes of faith, knowing that we are your new creation. Even as you died and rose for us, urge us to live and care for others.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

You kingdom, Lord God, is a seed-planting kingdom. Help the kernel of life in every shell of every single body gathered here for worship, split and sprout like seed in good soil, always looking forward to your day of harvest.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

Holy Spirit, nations and leaders rise and fall like trees in a storm. In this age give us the wisdom to depend upon God's holy promises and commands, as our primary guides in life.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

Help us minister to those who need their health restored, their hope invigorated, their love rekindled. Bring us a joy greater than happiness, a love beyond imagination, and may our last illness bring us to your throne of grace. Hear us as we pray for one another _____.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.

The love of God has won. The new life has begun. Amen.

— written by Paul Sauer, and posted on the Lutheran Forum website.  http://www.lutheranforum.org/


Contemporary Call to Worship: Proper 6 B

Here’s a call to worship from Nancy Townley, based on Mark 4:26-34, or Matthew 13:31-32.

Contemporary Call to Worship
(inspired by Mark 4:26-34 or Matthew 13:31-32)

What mysteries there are in God’s world!
We, so sophisticated, stand in awe at the wonders of the natural world.
We look at the tiniest of seeds and wonder what will happen
From that small seed will grow a large shrub.
Although we consider our gifts to be small and insignificant,
God will use our gifts in miraculous ways.
Praise the God of small seeds and mighty power. Amen.

— written by Nancy C. Townley, on the Worship Connection page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/