re:Worship: May 2012

May 31, 2012

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/

Gospel Reflection: Mark 4: 35-41

Here’s a thoughtful reflection on Mark 4:35-41 (the account of Jesus calming the storm) from Bruce Prewer.

Who is this Jesus?

(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

To leave the safe sheltered quay;

to rest while strong men fear;

to doze through a storm at sea:

who is this Jesus?

To display the might of the meek;

to sleep while threats are near;

to dream while fierce gales peak:

who is this Jesus?

To know what keeps you afloat;

to let another hand steer;

to be safe in a foundering boat:

who is this Jesus?

To be see when there’s no light;

to trust when nothing’s clear;

to confront the powers of night:

who is this Jesus?

To speak the word that saves;

to know God is even here;

to command the wind and the waves:

who is this Jesus?

— Copyright Ó B D Prewer 2000. Posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page. http://www.bruceprewer.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.

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.

Reflection on the texts: Proper 7 B

Here’s a thoughtful reflection on two of the scripture texts for Proper 7 B (June 24, 2012): the accounts of David facing Goliath, and Jesus calming the storm. It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Reflection on the Gospel and Hebrew Lections

(Proper 7 B)

The winds raged
and the disciples trembled.
Goliath taunted
and Saul tasted fear.
Enter Jesus
Enter David
staring beyond the fear
daring us to do the same.

The winds will rage
and giants will taunt
and fear will weaken our gait.
Still Jesus
Still David
offer a challenge
not limited to wind and bullies
but beckoning to the heart of the timid.

Staring beyond the fear
focused on the greater power
daring us to do the same.

— written by Katherine Hawker, 2003. Posted on Liturgy Outside. http://liturgyoutside.net/

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.

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.

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.

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 Approach: Mark 4: 35-41

Here’s a prayer of approach and confession inspired by Mark 4:35-41 (the account of when Jesus calmed the storm). It was written by the Very Rev. John Christie.

Prayer of Approach and Confession

(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)

Lord God of all Creation we come to you from our storm-tossed lives to seek your peace; we come to you with our questions and uncertainties, our worries and anxieties, we come to you from our joy and our happiness-- each emotion a kaleidoscope of our feeling in life’s changing patterns.

More than all of that we come to you because of what you have done for us in the love of Christ who bought our freedom by his sacrifice on the Cross and showed us new life in his resurrection life. We bless you for the love which has no dimension of length breadth or height, coming as it does from the perfection your being. We come to you knowing that sometimes we have received your grace in vain.

We have not relied on your word or wisdom, we have not shown any concern or compassion when we should have; we have not loved our neighbour as we love ourselves. We have remained silent when we should have spoken and spoken when we should have been silent.

We seize the moment to ask you from our discordant lives for yet another chance of hearing you say to us ‘Your sins are forgiven’. May the mark of that forgiveness be your grace in us as we respond with grace and gratitude to your love.

Eternal God as we ask that you accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray that from the grace we have received, what we say and what we do will enable those around us to glimpse the life of the your Son -- who calmed the storm with words which still echo down the centuries, ‘Peace be still’ …..Amen.

— written by the Very Rev. John Christie, 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.

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.

Contemporary Call to Worship: Proper 7 B

Here’s a contemporary call to worship inspired by the scripture readings for Proper 7 B (Mark 4:35-41; 1 Samuel 17:32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13). It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Contemporary Call to Worship

Strength is commanding the wind and sea to obey,

Strength is wielding a slingshot in the face of a raging giant.

Strength is accepting vulnerability from inside the boat,

Strength is standing in solidarity with the powerless.

Strength is turning a cheek,

Strength is loving an enemy.

We come to worship

a God who redefines our vision of strength.

— written by Katherine Hawker, 1997. Posted on Liturgy Outside. http://liturgyoutside.net/

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.