Prayer Reflection: Galatians 1: 11-19


Here’s a prayer reflection inspired by Galatians 1: 11-19.  It was written by Anne Osdieck and posted on The Center for Liturgy Sunday Web Site.

Prayer Reflection
(inspired by Galatians 1: 11-19)

But when God, who from my mother’s womb had set me apart
and called me through his grace….

Paul’s soul was dead.
Through your grace
you called him
back to life,
to live in
you.

Christ, call us.
Give us your love and your grace.
It is enough for us.

~ written by Anne Osdieck, and posted on The Center for Liturgy Sunday Web Site. http://liturgy.slu.edu/TrinityC052613/prayerpathmain.html

Contemporary Songs: Psalm 30


If you’re looking for contemporary Praise & Worship song suggestions to use with Psalm 30 (the suggested psalm for  Proper 5C, Epiphany 6B, Easter 3C, Proper 9C, and Proper 8B), you can find a list at my new blog, Contemporary Psalms. http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/  The blog is not finished (and likely never will be, since I keep coming across new songs!), but it’s a start.


Prayers of the People: 1 Kings 17


Here’s a prayer of intercession from the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.  It was written by Rev Allan McCafferty.

Prayer of Intercession
(inspired by 1 Kings 17)

Hear us as we pray for those who are thirsty,
places where there is drought,
or a lack of a clean water supply.
And for those who have to carry water for miles to keep everyday life feasible.

Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us

We pray for those who are hungry,
places where the harvest has failed,
or some disaster or accident has affected the crop yield.
For those who are struggling to find employment 
and so struggling to afford to put the food they would like on the table.

Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us

We pray for those who are struggling because they are widows or widowers,
for those who are bereaved 
having experienced the death of someone important to them 
whom they loved and still love.

Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us

We pray for those who are ill or near death,
those known to us
and those unknown to us but known to you

Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us

In silence we lift up those people and situations uppermost in our thinking today…

Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us

And hear us as we sum up all our prayers in the words Jesus taught us….
Our Father…

~ written by Rev Allan McCafferty, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/starters_for_sunday/june

Contemporary Songs: Psalm 146


If you’re looking for contemporary Praise & Worship song suggestions to use with Psalm 146 (the suggested psalm for  Proper 5C, Proper 27B, Proper 18B, Proper 21C, Proper 26B, and Advent 3A), you can find a list at my new blog, Contemporary Psalms. http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/  The blog is not finished (and likely never will be, since I keep coming across new songs!), but it’s a start.


Responsive Call to Worship: Psalm 146


Here’s a responsive call to worship based on Psalm 146.  It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Call to Worship
(inspired by Psalm 146)

Never put your trust in princes or politicians,
nor in any child of earth’s dust, for they cannot help you.
No matter how important, they stop breathing like the rest of us,
on that day their schemes perish and return to the earth
                       
Happy are those whose help comes from the God of Jacob,
whose hope rests in the God of Christ Jesus.
This is the One who makes and sustains heaven and earth,
who keeps faith with us forever.

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Homepage. http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocC/C38sun9.htm

Words of Assurance: Proper 5 C


Here are words of assurance (to follow confession) based on the suggested scripture readings for Proper 5 C (the third Sunday after Pentecost) – especially Psalm 30 and Luke 7: 11-17).  It was written by Nathan Nettleton.

Declaration of Grace / Absolution

Christ Jesus has not come to punish sin with death,
but to call us through God’s grace
and, in compassion, to raise us from death to life
through the word of truth, the gospel.

Sisters and Brothers,
    your sins are forgiven;
        be at peace.

~ Copyright © 2007 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net

Prayer for Proper 5 C


Here’s a prayer inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 5 C, the third Sunday after Pentecost.

Prayer

Mighty God,
your hands hold the power of life itself.
You restore life in the face of death,
bringing hope out of despair
and promise out of destruction.
Through the breath of your Spirit
bring new life to us,
that we may announce to the world the power of your presence
made known in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

~ 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. http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/

Call to Worship, Prayer: Psalm 146


Here’s a responsive call to worship and opening prayer inspired by Psalm 146. It comes from the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.

Call to Worship
(inspired by Psalm 146)

Happy are those whose hope is in God,
maker of heaven and earth--
for God keeps faith forever!

God executes justice for the oppressed
and gives food for the hungry.
God sets the prisoners free
and opens the eyes of the blind.

God lifts up those who are bowed down.
God watches over the strangers
and upholds the orphan and the widow.

People of God, sing praise to the One who is your help—
for God keeps faith forever!

Opening Prayer

Faithful God, you draw near to us
in our joy and in our grief,
in our hope and in our despair. 
When we are bowed down, you raise us anew. 
We turn to you now in search of your healing touch. 
God of compassion and love,
move among us this hour. 
Open our eyes, dispel our fears,
and show us the real life you have to offer. 
We pray this in the name of the Risen One,
Jesus the Christ.  Amen.

~ posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/

Call to Worship from Psalm 146


Here’s another call to worship from Psalm 146.  This one comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Call to Worship
(inspired by Psalm 146)

Praise the Lord.
Let all who draw breath praise the Lord.
Happy are those whose help is from God—
the One who made heaven and earth,
the One who created the seas and all that is in them.
Happy are those whose hope is in God—
the One who keeps faith forever,
the One who feeds the hungry
and defends the oppressed.
God will reign forever, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!
Let all who draw breath praise the Lord.

~ posted on the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/worship/tag/prayers#axzz2TrliqFM6

Confession: Proper 5 C


Here’s an act of confession based on the scripture texts for the third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5 C).  It was written by Thom Shuman.

Call to Reconciliation

We think life is all about us—
our desires, our needs, our achievements. 
And, so in our pride,
we ignore the gospel proclaimed to us by God's love and hope for us. 
Let us confess our faulty lives,
as we open ourselves to God's healing grace,
praying together,

Unison Prayer of Confession

We do not want you to know
how our lives do not proclaim your good news, God of all hearts. 
But you have heard the words we have spoken
which injure those we love. 
You see how insistent we can be
in clinging to the ways we have always lived,
rather than walking your new paths. 
We have trouble believing that when our souls are empty
and our hearts have only a small portion of love,
that you can do miracles in and through us.

So, what we need to know is that you do indeed forgive us,
and still love us.
God of comfort, 
let your grace shower us
and end the drought of fear and doubt in our lives,
so we can believe the good news
which comes to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
 
Silence is kept

Assurance of Pardon

Do not be sad. 
God feeds us with grace and hope,
God watches over us, and raises us to new life.
You we praise, Holy God,
for this good news of joy and peace for our lives. 
Thanks be to God, we are forgiven!  Amen.

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

Prayer of Adoration: Psalm 146


Here’s a responsive prayer of adoration inspired by Psalm 146.  It was written by Jeff Shrowder.

Psalm 146
A Prayer of Adoration

Praise the LORD.
With the very core of my being and every part of my life
I want to bless you, LORD God.
I want to celebrate my God with music and song while I live.

There is nothing to be gained by putting all my trust in the powerful people:
when their breath leaves them, they return to the dust,
and their clever plans crumble with them.

But the person who looks to the God of Jacob for help,
ah, how fortunate.
Like this person I want to put my hope in the LORD,
the God who made the heavens and the earth, the sea,
and everything in them;

who maintains a kindness that endures forever;
who brings about justice for those trampled by society,
and gives food to those hungry for dignity, love and self-worth;

who breaks the shackles of those imprisoned by hopelessness, circumstance or habit;
who enables the blind to see again, to see life in its fullness;
who raises up those bent over by the burden of life;
who loves the upright;
who cares for those separated from their home culture;
who helps the fatherless and the widow,
but who brings ruin to the way of the wicked.
The LORD shall reign forever;
our God, generation after generation.
Hallelujah!!

~ written by Jeff Shrowder, and posted on The Billabong.  http://thebillabong.info/

If used, in worship, please acknowledge as follows: © Jeff Shrowder 2000, 2013.

Call to Worship: Psalm 146


Here’s a call to worship based on Psalm 146.  It comes from the Lectionary Sermons website.

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 146)

Joy comes to those who hope in God.
For the Lord is a Keeper of promises.
Our God is a God of healing and help and hope!
The Lord will reign forever,
Our God will keep faith with all generations.
Let us praise the Lord both now and forevermore!

~ posted on the Archives page of the Lectionary Sermons website. http://www.lectionarysermons.com/ARCH-W.html

Readers' Theatre: 1 Kings 17


Here’s a readers’ theatre setting of 1 Kings 17, Elijah’s encounter with the widow at Zarephath. It is set for 3 voices; a narrator, Elijah and the widow.

Readers’ Theatre: 1 Kings 17: 8-24

Narr::    Then the Lord said to Elijah, 
“Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon.
I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”
So Elijah went to Zarephath.
As he arrived at the gates of the village,
he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her:

Elijah:   Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?

Narr:     As she was going to get it, he called to her:

Elijah:   Bring me a bite of bread, too.

Widow: I swear by the Lord your God
that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house.
And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar
and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug.
I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal,
and then my son and I will die.”

Elijah:   Don’t be afraid!
Go ahead and do just what you’ve said,
but make a little bread for me first.
Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. 
For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says:
There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers
until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”

Narr:     So she did as Elijah said,
and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. 
There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers,
just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.

Some time later the woman’s son became sick.
He grew worse and worse, and finally he died. 
Then she said to Elijah,

Widow: O man of God, what have you done to me?
Have you come here to point out my sins and kill my son?

Elijah:   Give me your son.

Narr:     And Elijah took the child’s body from her arms,
carried him up the stairs to the room where he was staying,
and laid the body on his bed. 
Then Elijah cried out to the Lord,

Elijah:   O Lord my God,
why have you brought tragedy to this widow
who has opened her home to me,
causing her son to die?”

Narr:     And he stretched himself out over the child three times
and cried out to the Lord,

Elijah:   O Lord my God, please let this child’s life return to him.

Narr:     And the Lord heard Elijah’s prayer,
and the life of the child returned, and he revived! 
Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room
and gave him to his mother.

Elijah:   Look! Your son is alive!

Widow: Now I know for sure that you are a man of God,
and that the Lord truly speaks through you.

Offering Prayer: Proper 5 C


Here’s an invitation and prayer for the offering inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 5 C (1 Kings 17:8-16 and Psalm 146).  It comes from the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.

Invitation to Share
(inspired by 1 Kings 17: 8-16)

The widow of Zarephath thought the end was near. 
In a time of great drought, she had only enough meal and oil
to prepare a last bit of flatbread for herself and her son. 
And yet, when asked, she was willing to share what she had with a stranger. 
With great courage, she trusted God’s promise to provide for her family. 
Her story invites us to look at the act of sharing as an act of trust.  
Let us share generously and courageously
because we can trust God to provide us with what we need.


Prayer of Dedication
(inspired by Psalm 146)

Gracious God, we give these gifts because you ask us to share. 
We dedicate this offering and our lives to your service,
that the hungry may be fed, the oppressed may receive justice,
and the stranger may be welcomed in our midst. 
We offer this prayer in the name of the bearer of your good news,
Jesus the Christ. Amen.

~ posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/

Prayer: Psalm 30


Here’s a prayer from Pray the Psalms, inspired by Psalm 30.

Prayer
(inspired by Psalm 30)

Gracious God, You are the healer. You are the One who makes bodies whole, who mends marriages, who binds up broken hearts. Though You often heal through various means – doctors, medicines, surgeries, loving friends, forgiveness – You are still the source of all health and healing. You are the One who defines wholeness and who gives it as a gift.

Dear Lord, continue to heal me where I am broken. You see those places, Lord, even when I don’t see them. Heal my fears, my sadness, my inner brokenness. Make me the whole person You have created and saved me to be.

Yet I know, Lord, that full healing doesn’t come in this life. I look forward to the time when I shall stand before You completed, made perfect through Your grace. In the meanwhile, may I discover more of Your wholeness each day.

~ posted on Pray the Psalms. http://praythepsalms.com/?p=180

Contemporary Songs: Psalm 96


If you’re looking for contemporary Praise & Worship song suggestions to use with Psalm 96 (the suggested psalm for Christmas Day, Proper 4C, Proper 24A, and Epiphany 9C), you can find a list at my new blog, Contemporary Psalms. http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/  The blog is not finished (and likely never will be, since I keep coming across new songs!), but it’s a start.


Litany of Commitment: Elijah


Here’s a responsive litany inspired by the events in 1 Kings 17-18.  It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Litany
(inspired by 1 Kings 17-18)

We see Elijah calling on the name of God,
responding to the forces of evil with an appeal to a higher power.
May we be a people of faith.

We see Elijah caring for the most vulnerable,
offering bread to the widow and a healing touch to her child.
May we be a people of compassion.

We see Elijah speaking truth to power,
daring to deliver words of judgment to the King.
May we be a people of justice.

We see Elijah ascend in the whirlwind,
offering the promise of the still unfolding future.
May we be a people of hope.

~ written by Katherine Hawker, and posted on Liturgies Outside. http://liturgyoutside.net/CPr5.html

Benediction: 1 Kings 18


Here’s a closing commission and benediction inspired by 1 Kings 18 (where the prophet Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal).  It was written by Nathan Nettleton.

Commission & Benediction
(inspired by 1 Kings 18)

If the Lord is God, go now, and follow him,
and do not be tempted to share your loyalty with other gods.
Stay true to the gospel that has been revealed to you in Jesus.
Call on the name of the Lord,
tell of God’s salvation from day to day,
and live in righteousness and truth.

And may God bring you grace and peace;
May Christ Jesus heal you and raise you up,
and may the Holy Spirit’s fiery glory strengthen your hearts.

We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
In the name of Christ. Amen.

~ Copyright © 2013 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net

Call to Worship: Making a Choice


Here’s a call to worship inspired by 1 Kings 18.  It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Call to Worship
(inspired by 1 Kings 18)

Always there is a choice:
The God of Christ Jesus
or those material things
for which this world will sell its soul?
We cannot have it both ways.

As the prophet Elijah
declared long ago:
“How long does it take to make up your mind?
If the Lord is God, then follow him.
If idols are your gods, then get real and admit you serve them.”

The Lord is our God and greatly to be praised
He is to be honoured above all worldly gods.
We will declare God’s glory among the nations
and celebrate God’s love among all races on earth.

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Homepage. http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocC/C38sun9.htm

Responsive Call to Worship: Psalm 96: 11-13


Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice!
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord!

For the Lord is coming!
He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
and all the nations with his truth.

Call to Worship: Psalm 96


Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come to worship him.
Worship the Lord in all his holy splendour.
Let all the earth tremble before him.
For our God is great,
and worthy of our praise!

Call to Worship: Psalm 96


Here’s a responsive call to worship inspired by Psalm 96.  It was written by Joan Stott, and posted on the Geelong City Parish UCA website.

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 96)

We come in reverent awe before the Lord our God—
for great is the Lord!
We come, to join with all creation
in singing new songs to the Lord our God.

We come in worship and praise—
for the Lord God is worthy of our praise!
We come, to share together
the news of our Glorious Lord’s saving deeds.

We come with songs and prayers—
to give well-deserved glory to the Lord!
We come, to bring our offerings of worship and praise
to the Lord our God—
whose holy splendour, honour and majesty
shines forth from God’s presence. Amen.

~ written by Joan Stott, and posted on the Geelong City Parish UCA website. http://www.wesleychurchgeelong.net/w_resources.htm

If used in worship, please include the following acknowledgement: “Copyright © 2013 Joan Stott – ‘The Timeless Psalms’ RCL Psalms Year C. Used with permission.”

Pastoral Prayer: Prayer for One Voice


Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by the scripture readings for Proper 4 C, the second Sunday after Pentecost (especially 1 Kings 8 and Galatians 1: 1-12).  It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Prayer for One Voice

Eternal God, who in Jesus Christ redeems us from the sin that drives us apart and reconciles us with the love that brings us together, we thank you for him who has made us your partners in covenant. We bless you for the vision with which you bless us through him: for the vision of yourself, whose love for all does not diminish your love for each; for the vision of us as individuals, whose move away from you does not slow your move toward us; for the vision of the community of believers, whose history of division does not alter your desire for union; and for the vision of the world, whose clamor for power does not silence your demand for justice.

O God, grant us the faith of Solomon's prayer: the faith that calls the temple not by the builder's name but by your name; the faith that looks not within the temple but beyond for your dwelling place; the faith that longs for the temple to become a house of prayer—not for one people but for all the peoples of the earth.
Unfortunately, our faith in Christ has often been no match for Solomon's prayer. We sing of Christ for all the world, but the world we have in mind is much smaller than the world for which Solomon prayed. It is not the world of "all the peoples of the earth," but only some of them—those of them who think as we think, feel as we feel, worship as we worship, and live as we live.

Forgive us, O God, not only for shrinking your world to the size of our prejudices, but for reducing Christ to the level of our preferences. Too often we turn your Christ into a Christ of our own creation: a Christ too narrow to tolerate any behavior we do not approve; to sanction any belief we do not hold; to welcome any person we do not like; to permit any worship we do not practice.

O God, you have made us in your image. Forgive us for remaking the world in ours. You have made Christ the church's one foundation. Forgive us for trying to build it on another. Transform us, O Lord. Grant us the grace so to represent the Christ you have sent that the world might receive your glorious gospel, obey your great c and worship your holy name.


Offering Prayer: Psalm 96


Here’s an offering prayer inspired by Psalm 96.  It was written by Jeff Shrowder.

Offering Prayer
(inspired by Psalm 96)

Bring an offering, and come into the courts of the Lord….

Healing One,
generous in love
and forever faithful,
we bring an offering;
our time, talent, and treasure.
With the help of the gracious One
may these gifts be used
with wisdom and justice
in the church and its mission
in the name of the Risen one. Amen.

~ written by Jeff Shrowder, and posted on The Billabong.  http://thebillabong.info/

If used, in worship, please acknowledge as follows: © Jeff Shrowder 2000, 2013.

Prayer: 1 Kings


Here’s a prayer of petition and commitment inspired by the lives of the prophets Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings, 2 Kings). 

Prayer of Petition
(1 Kings, 2 Kings)

Beckoning God,
as you moved in the lives of Elijah and Elisha,
move in our lives,
inviting us to journey to unknown territory,
to listen for your voice,
and to speak your prophetic word
in a world that does not want to hear.
empowered by your Spirit,
grant us the courage we need
to journey, trust, listen, speak,
and accept your commission
to be your faithful servant people. Amen.

~ 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. http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/

Praying Psalm 96


Here’s a prayer of praise inspired by Psalm 96.  It was written by Kansas Bob.

Prayer of Praise
(based on Psalm 96)

We your people join our hearts across the earth and sing to you Lord.
We sing, we bless your name and tell of your salvation every day.
We declare your glory among the nations.
We extol your marvelous works among all the peoples!

We exalt you Heavenly Father!

Great are you, Lord, and greatly to be praised.
You are awesome and we honor you in all of our ways.
Nothing made by man compares to you Lord.
You are the Creator of all that things seen and unseen.

We bless you Sovereign Creator!

We bow down Lord and submit to you our strength.
We come before you with praise and glorify your name.
We bring you gifts of submission, worship and love.
We worship you Lord in the splendor of your holiness.

Great are you Holy Spirit!

We come with shouts and affirmation that "Jesus is Lord!”
Your throne is established forever Lord and the world is your footstool.
Your judgment is perfect and we rejoice in your justice.
We wait for your coming Lord and trust in your judgment.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Let heaven be glad and let all the earth rejoice.
Let the sea roar with praise and all that fills it show your greatness.
Let the field exult, and everything in it sing for joy.
Let all of the earth praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Amen.

~ written by Kansas Bob, and posted on Daily Prayer. http://praying.kansasbob.com/2010/11/praying-psalm-96.html

Prayer: Psalm 96


Here’s a prayer from Pray the Psalms, inspired by Psalm 96.

Prayer
(inspired by Psalm 96)

O Lord, sometimes we’re pretty good at declaring Your glory in the midst of Your people. We proclaim Your greatness in worship services. We sings songs and hymns of praise. We preach Your grace. We celebrate Your wonderful works together.

Yet this psalm reminds us to declare Your glory, not only among those who know You, but also among those who do not. You have sent us into this world to bring the good news of Your marvelous works, most of all Your salvation through Jesus Christ. We need to tell the world how much You care, how much You sacrificed for their sake.

As we reach out with the gospel, help us never lose sight of Your glory. May we be unhesitating in proclaiming Your wonders. And may You, indeed, be glorified in our words and our deeds . . . even today!

~ posted on Pray the Psalms. http://praythepsalms.com/

Opening Litany: Psalm 96: 1-13


Here’s an opening litany inspired by Psalm 96:1-13.  It was written by Pastor Dan.

Opening Litany
(based on Psalm 96: 1-13)

Sing to the LORD a new song;
let all the people of the earth sing a new song unto the Lord.

We will sing praises to the Lord
and proclaim the salvation of the Lord all our days.
We will proclaim the glory of the Lord to all the nations
and the Lord’s marvelous deeds to all peoples. 

For the Lord is great and worthy of praise above all gods.

Our idols in this world are only that, just idols,
but the Lord God created the heavens and the earth.
Splendor, Majesty and Glory surround the presence of the Lord. 

Let all the peoples in all the nations of the earth
ascribe to the Lord the glory and honor
due the name of the Lord of all creation.

We will worship the Lord with praise
and say to all people, “The Lord Reigns!”
For the justice of the Lord will be established over all the earth. 

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad,
let the sea resound and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Let all creation rejoice before the Lord
who comes to judge the earth and all people
with righteousness and loving kindness.

~ written by Dan, and posted on Pastor Dan’s Grace Notes. http://coslcgrace.blogspot.ca/2011/10/opening-litany-based-on-psalm-961-13.html

Thanksgiving Litany: Reflections on Psalm 96


Here’s a litany of thanksgiving inspired by Psalm 96.  It was written by Erika Kobewka.

Litany of Thanksgiving
(inspired by Psalm 96)

Today we offer our thanksgiving and gratitude
to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, 
The Lord be praised. 
For the tables we share
and the bread we partake of within our communities, within our families,
and within our homes, 
The Lord be praised. 
For the hands of friendship that have been extended to us
and the grace we have received, 
The Lord be praised. 
For Your continual provision in our lives, 
The Lord be praised. 
For the embrace of love, 
The Lord be praised. 
For Your mercies that are new at dawn and sustain us through the day,
echoing through the night, 
The Lord be praised. 
For the gift of Your Son and His blood poured out.
The Lord be praised. 
For the new life that beats within us now. 
The Lord be praised. 
In all things, we give You thanks and join with creation's song, 
Great is the Lord and most worthy to be praised!

~ Copyright © Erika Kobewka.  Posted on Little Red Hearts. http://www.littleredhearts.ca/2011/10/thanksgiving-litany-reflections-on.html

Litany: Psalm 96


Here’s a responsive litany from Psalm 96.

Litany
(based on Psalm 96)

Sing a new song to the Lord!
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
For great is the Lord, and worthy of praise!
He is to be feared above all gods.
The gods of other nations are mere idols,
but the Lord made the heavens!
Honor and majesty surround him;
strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.
O nations of the world, recognize the Lord;
recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his courts.
Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.
Let all the earth tremble before him.
Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
He will judge all peoples fairly.
Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise
before the Lord, for he is coming!
He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice,
and the nations with his truth.