Confession: Following Other Paths

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Epiphany 5A.  It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37)

Loving God,
you call us into community,
teach us your ways,
and bless us with abundant life.

Yet we turn aside to follow other paths:
we take the easy way out,
listening to the world’s call
rather than your call to commitment;
we quarrel with one another,
letting differences divide us;
we cherish our resentments,
shutting off our hearts
from forgiveness and reconciliation;
we cling to petty jealousies,
feeling we deserve more than we have.

Forgive us when we wander from your love.
Draw us into community with each other,
and feed us with the milk of your grace,
that we may grow in faithfulness
and work together in peace. Amen.

Words of Assurance
(inspired by Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9)

God is at work, nurturing our growth
and showing us the ways that lead to life.
God is at work, reconciling us to one another
and teaching us the paths of love.
God is at work, hearing our confessions,
forgiving our disobedience,
and blessing us in love.
Thanks be to God!

~ posted on the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/

Readers' Theatre: Matthew 5: 21-37

Here’s a readers’ theatre setting of Matthew 5: 21-37.  It is set for two voices.

Readers’ Theatre:
Matthew 5: 21-37

 One:    You have heard that our ancestors were told,

Two:    You must not murder.
If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.

One:    But I say, if you are even angry with someone,
you are subject to judgment!
If you call someone an idiot,
you are in danger of being brought before the court.
And if you curse someone, 
you are in danger of the fires of hell.

So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple
and you suddenly remember
that someone has something against you, 
leave your sacrifice there at the altar.
Go and be reconciled to that person.
Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

When you are on the way to court with your adversary,
settle your differences quickly.
Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge,
who will hand you over to an officer,
and you will be thrown into prison. 
And if that happens,
you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

One:    You have heard the commandment that says,

Two:    You must not commit adultery.

One:     But I say,
anyone who even looks at a woman with lust
has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 

So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust,
gouge it out and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one part of your body
than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin,
cut it off and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one part of your body
than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

One:    You have heard the law that says,

Two:    A man can divorce his wife
by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.

One:     But I say that a man who divorces his wife,
unless she has been unfaithful,
causes her to commit adultery.
And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.

One:    You have also heard that our ancestors were told,

Two:    You must not break your vows;
you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’

One:    But I say, do not make any vows!
Do not say,

Two:    By heaven!

One:    because heaven is God’s throne. 
And do not say,

Two:    By the earth!

One:    because the earth is his footstool.
And do not say,

Two:    By Jerusalem!

One:    for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 
Do not even say,

Two:    By my head!

One:    for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 
Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’

Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Prayer for Others: Relationships

Here’s a prayer of intercession from Rev Dr David Graham and the Starters for Sunday website.

Prayer of Intercession

God our Father, in whose eyes all life is precious,
help us to value the worth of every individual,
whom you have created in your image.

We pray for victims of violence or hatred,
especially people who have suffered innocently.
May they find the healing of body, mind or spirit which they need.

We ask that the causes of division and hatred may be brought down.
Where there is prejudice because of colour, language, religion or culture,
help us to see things through the eyes of others,
and act towards them as we would like to be treated ourselves.

We also pray for people who have been the cause of hurts to others.
Enable them not only to admit their mistakes,
but also to use their time and energy for the benefit of others
and the welfare of society.

We pray for family relationships in our society.
Thank you for those who are our own families,
or who have been like family to us.
Bless them with the love in return which they themselves have shown.

We ask for your healing and reconciling love
in family disputes or misunderstandings.
We especially pray for children and young people
caught up in problems not of their making,
and for the anxiety and tensions this may cause.
Give them good friends and wise counselors,
and support from their peer group and schools.

Loving God,
as we have promised you our devoted service in words and prayer,
give us the strength of your Holy Spirit
to enable us to keep our promises,
for you are the source of our lives and our strength.

~ written by Rev Dr David Graham, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/

Benediction: Choose Life

Here is a closing commission and benediction inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Epiphany 5, Year A.  It was written by Nathan Nettleton.

Commission & Benediction
(inspired by Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Matthew 5: 37)


God has placed before you life & death, blessings & curses.
Therefore choose life, follow God’s way.
Go now, and be a people of reconciliation and integrity.
Let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” “no”.

And in all the paths you walk
may God hold you steady and close.
May Christ Jesus bless you and every place you enter.
And may the Spirit give you length of days and fullness of life.

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

~ copyright © 2006 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net

Pastoral Prayer: Epiphany 6A

Here’s a prayer of petition and intercession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Epiphany 6A.  It was written by Richard Bansemer.

Pastoral Prayer
(inspired by Psalm 119: 1-8, 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9, Matthew 5:21-37)

Lord God,
you set before us commandments that affect our very lives.
We can only obey you by loving you above all others.
Give us the will and the skill to love you
with all of our hearts, minds and strength.
Let us walk: In the light of the Lord.

Lord Jesus,
we know we are too often mere infants in the faith.
We argue over big things and little things,
and justify our points of view as faith.
Forgive us when we do this
and fail to remember that our growth in the faith
is a matter of being your servant,
working together with all other servants,
in this world which is your mission field.
Let us walk: In the light of the Lord.

Holy Spirit,
help us understand the hard teachings of Jesus
about anger, name calling, bearing false witness,
fidelity and marriage.
Even before we come to understand,
give us the strength to obey.
Let us walk: In the light of the Lord.

We bring before you the needs of all countries and communities
who seek to care for one another.
Help us to not merely rely upon governments for justice,
but to seek and do justice in our own daily lives.
Let us walk: In the light of the Lord.

We look forward to the coming of spring
and the flowering of the earth from her winter's sleep.
Renew us also, that we may bloom like flowers,
ready to bring beauty to one another.
Let us walk: In the light of the Lord.

For those among us who need care,
help us be the caregivers.
When we name their names before you in prayer,
help us also to be a real presence to those we know _____.

Make all our petitions selfless, like those you taught us to pray.  Amen.

~ written by Richard Bansemer, and posted on the Lutheran Forum. http://www.lutheranforum.org/prayers/

Pastoral Prayer: Epiphany 6

Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Epiphany 6A.  It was written by Terri.

Pastoral Prayer: Epiphany 6A
(inspired by Psalm 119: 1-8, 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9)

Loving God, we seek to follow your desire
And walk in your ways
To observe your commandment
Love God, love self, love others

Bless, O God, this land and
All the lands of the earth
Fill the minds and hearts
Of leaders with wisdom

As your servants may we labor
For Your purposes, building
Gardening, watering,
Reconciling, growing – peace

May we work together
Sister and brother, brother
And sister, as God’s field
God’s gift to you, to me

Loving God, we seek to follow your desire
And walk in your ways
To observe your commandments
Love God, love self, love others
Amen.

~ written by Terri, and posted on Seeking Authentic Voice.  http://seekingauthenticvoice.blogspot.ca/

Prayer of Brokenness

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by Matthew 5: 21-37, Mark 12: 28-31 and other texts.  It was written by Rev. Mindi.

Prayer of Brokenness

Holy One,
we confess that we have been caught up in the ways of the world.
Instead of looking to commandments and rules as a way to guide our life,
we use them to punish and restrict others.
Forgive us for our judgments and misconceptions.
Forgive us for not working on ourselves, on our own lives.
Call us back to Your way of life,
a way of love, commitment, respect, and forgiveness.
Call us back to a way of life that honors You and creation,
and guides us to better love our neighbors as ourselves.
In the name of Jesus the Christ,
who ended sacrifice and death
and fulfilled the promise of new life, we pray. Amen.

~ written by Rev. Mindi, and posted on Rev-o-lution.  http://rev-o-lution.org/

Prayer of Confession: All is not right within us

Loving God,
we take this time today to come before you,
but as we do, we are aware that all is not right within us.
We neglect your word,
we fail to meditate on your law,
we forget to speak with you,
we make plans without turning to you,
we do things that we know are wrong.
We did not put you first in our lives.

Forgive how we have failed to love you
with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength.

Loving God,
our relationships with each other are not all that they can be or should be.
There is hurt and injury between ourselves and others.
There are walls of anger and hatred between us and our neighbors.
Forgive us for how we deny our part in this
and for how we blame others for the brokenness around us.
Forgive how we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

Gracious God,
we believe that you offer to us and our world a whole and good life.
For all that we have done to deny this life to each other and to ourselves,
we ask your forgiveness and your mercy.

Words of Assurance
(based on Psalm 103: 11-14)

Brothers and sisters in Christ,
as you choose again this day to love God and to love one another
know that God has forgiven you that which is past
and offers to you a new and full life.
Praise be to the name of God, now forever. Amen.

Hear the good news concerning the love and forgiveness of God:
“As far as the east is from the west,
so far does God remove our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.”

~ from the website of the Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church , Richmond, VA http://www.tuckahoepres.org/

Call to Worship: In Step with God

Here’s a responsive call to worship from Bruce Prewer’s Home Page.

Call to Worship

We would be perfectly happy if our path were faultless,
if we were always in step with God.
This is my commandment:
That you love one another.

God, has give us commandments
that we may live as effectively as possible.
With our eyes fixed on doing the right thing,
we shall never be put to shame.
You are to love one another
in the same way as I have loved you.

O Lord, touch our lips with your saving grace,
that our live may declare your praise!

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

Call to Worship, Prayer: Psalm 119: 1-8

Here’s a combination opening prayer/call to worship inspired by Psalm 119:1-8.  It was written by Joan Stott.

Call to Worship
(inspired by Psalm 119: 1-8)

Blessed and Righteous God,
your truths and grace are revealed to us
as we search your Holy Word.
We come today, to listen to the Word of the Lord.

Gracious God,
you help us to know you through your Holy Word,
which guides and blesses us.
We come today, to worship the Lord our God.

Holy God,
we gather to worship and praise you,
to learn from your Word in fellowship with others.
We come today, to praise the Lord our God. Amen.

~ written by Joan Stott, and posted on The Timeless Psalms. http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/   If this prayer is used in shared worship, please provide the following acknowledgement: © 2011 Joan Stott – ‘The Timeless Psalms’ RCL Psalms Year A. Used with permission.

Call to Worship: Psalm 119:1-8

Here’s a call to worship based on Psalm 119. It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Call to Worship
(inspired by Psalm 119: 1-8)

Happy are those who walk in God’s ways.
Blessed are those who observe God’s commandments.
Faithful are those whose eyes are fixed on righteousness.
Joyful are those whose hearts are filled with praise.
Come, let us love the Lord our God.
We come to worship the One
who leads us in the ways of life.

~ posted on the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/

Call to Worship, Prayer: Psalm 119:1-8

Here’s a call to worship and opening prayer from the Kir-shalom website.

Responsive Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 119: 1-8)

Happy are those whose way is blameless.
Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who keep God's decrees.
Blessed are those who seek God with their whole heart.
God has commanded that his precepts be kept diligently.
We pray that we may we be faithful in keeping all his statutes.
If we pay attention to all his commands we will not be put to shame.
As we learn God's righteous judgments,
we will praise God with an upright heart.

Opening Prayer

Most Loving and Gracious God,
we praise you and we thank you for the guidance that you give us
from day to day in your Word and by your Spirit. 
We thank you for choosing to dwell among us
and praise you for calling us to be your faithful people. 
Bless this time of worship and of prayer,
that those who need comfort may be comforted,
those who need challenge may be challenged,
and that all of us may grow closer together as your children—
as members of the body of Christ Jesus our Risen Lord,
in whose name we pray. Amen.

~ posted on the Kir-shalom website. http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/a-or06-99.php

Confession: We have done wrong

Here’s a prayer of confession from the Book of Common Worship.

Prayer of Confession

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death,
between blessings and curses….
Oh, that you would choose life,
that you and your descendants might live!”  Deuteronomy 30:19

Eternal God, our judge and redeemer,
we confess that we have tried to hide from you,
for we have done wrong.
We have lived for ourselves
and apart from you.
We have turned from our neighbors
and refused to bear the burdens of others.
We have ignored the pain of the world
and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed.

In your great mercy, forgive our sins
and free us from selfishness,
that we may choose your will
and obey your commandments;
through Jesus Christ our Savior.

~ Book of Common Worship, p. 54. Copyright © 1993, Westminster/John Knox Press

Confession: 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9.  It was written by Marilyn K. Levine.

Prayer of Confession
(inspired by 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9)

Righteous God, we confess with sorrow
that we often forget who has given us light,
who has made our garden grow with waters of love. 
We forget your living word
and move off your paths to serve our own worldly desires. 
We leave your cultivated field
to venture out into the wilderness on our own. 
We quarrel with one another trying to decide “who is the greatest.”
We make our own faces the benchmark for all faces. 
Help us to remember Jesus,
reconciling the whole variegated world in himself.  

Words of Assurance

Thank you for calling us back,
for never giving up on us when we turn aside,
for always loving us,
even when we forget who we are and who you are.
We know you, as the greatest Gardener of all,
who has promised always to replant us in flourishing fields.

~ written by The Rev. Marilyn K. Levine, and posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/

Call to Worship: Psalm 119: 1-8

Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD.

Blessed are those who keep his decrees,
who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways.

May the blessing of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
be with you, now and forever. Amen.

~ from the website of the Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church , Richmond, VA http://www.tuckahoepres.org/

Prayer: Epiphany 6A

Here’s a prayer of commitment inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Epiphany 5, Year A.  It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Response to the Word
(inspired by Matthew 5:21-37, Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

O God, send your Spirit upon us and light our path,
that we may travel the road you have prepared for us.

Having heard your scriptures proclaimed,
and your word revealed,
enable our hearts and minds to more fully understand
your goodness and your grace.

Help us break free from ideas that no longer bring life,
that we may embrace the life-giving work of your Spirit.

Challenge us to forsake paths that ask little of us,
and help us resist the evils and temptations of this world,
that we may truly follow the way of kingdom living. Amen.

~ posted on the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/

Reflection: Matthew 5: 13-16

Here’s a reflection on Matthew 5: 13-16, where Jesus tells his disciples to live as salt and light. With a little re-working, it could inspire a call to worship or closing benediction. It comes from the Starters for Sunday website.

Reflection
(inspired by Matthew 5: 13-16)

Exquisite and down to earth,
luxurious and everyday,
rare and commonplace:
this Christ calls his followers to be.
Called to invade
and infect the neighbourhood,
making a difference by living in light and inviting others
to taste the goodness of God.
God invites us to be
beautiful and attractive,
to flaunt God’s marvellous creation until all are drawn
to God’s wonderful light.

~ written by Rev Liz Crumlish, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/

Confession: Salt and Light

Here’s a confession inspired by Matthew 5: 13-16.  It comes from the Christian Aid website.

Prayer of Confession
(inspired by Matthew 5:13-16)

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste,
how can its saltiness be restored?” Matthew 5:13

Lord, you placed us in the world to be its salt.
We were afraid of committing ourselves,
afraid of being stained by the world.
We did not want to hear what ‘they’ might say
and our salt dissolved as if in water.
Forgive us, Jesus.

Kyrie eleison (or Lord, have mercy)

Lord, you placed us in the world to be its light.
We were afraid of the shadows,
afraid of the poverty.
We did not want to know ‘difficult’ people
and our light slowly faded away.
Forgive us, Jesus.

Kyrie eleison (or Lord, have mercy)

Lord, you placed us in the world to live in community.
Thus you taught us to love,
to share in life,
to struggle for bread and for justice,
Your truth incarnate in our lives.
So be it, Lord Jesus.

~ Peggy M De Cuehlo, in Harvest Prayers, posted on the Christian Aid website.    http://www.christianaid.org.uk/

Blessing: Matthew 5: 13-16

Here’s a closing commission and benediction inspired by Matthew 5: 13-16.  It comes from the Liturgy Alive website.

Commission & Benediction
(inspired by Matthew 5: 13-16)

May our love be like salt
that makes life tasty and worthwhile.
May our Christian living be a light
to those who live in darkness.
May our Christian communities
be cities of light to be seen from afar
as signs that God lives and works in his people.
And may God bless you all for this mission:
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go now, and let the light of Christ shine
on all those who live around you. Thanks be to God!

~ posted on Liturgy Alive.  http://www.bibleclaret.org/liturgy/CycleA/

Benediction: Matthew 5: 13-16

Here’s a closing benediction inspired by Matthew 5: 13-16. 

Benediction
(inspired by Matthew 5: 13-16)

Our Enlivening God calls us to be salt —
to add flavor to the world.
Our Enlivening God calls us to be light —
to add illumination and beauty to the world.
Our Enlivening God calls us to be courageous —
to respond to the needs of the world,
so that God’s presence may be revealed
to all the world.
Amen! And Amen!

~ posted on the website of the Caldwell United Methodist Church. http://www.caldwellumc.org/

Prayer of Confession: Isaiah 58: 1-9

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by Isaiah 58: 1-9. It comes from the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website.

Confession
(inspired by Isaiah 58: 1-9)

Isaiah reminds us that our prayer, fasting and pious ritual
must be lived out in compassion and justice:

When we forget the fast you desire—
To do justice, and stand up for the powerless:
Lord, have mercy.

When we forget the prayer you love—
To show compassion, and care for those in need:
Christ, have mercy.

When we forget the rituals you require—
To create relationships of righteousness and peace:
Lord have mercy.

Words of Assurance

Friends, the love of God revealed in Jesus
forgives us, heals us and sets us free to rebuild, restore,
and raise up foundations for new generations.
           
With thanksgiving, let us offer one another a sign of Peace.

~ written by Rev. Susan A. Blain, and posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/

Opening Prayer: Worshiping with Our Lives

Here’s an opening prayer inspired by Isaiah 58: 1-9.  It was written by Rev. Iona MacLean.

Opening Prayer
(inspired by Isaiah 58:1-9)

“Is this not the fast I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?”  Isaiah 58:6

God of compassion and justice,
the worship you choose for us is to loose the bonds of injustice,
to let the oppressed go free,
to share bread with the hungry,
to shelter the homeless poor.

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn
and your healing shall spring up quickly.

So in praise and wonder, we come to worship you
not just with our words
but with our hearts and our lives.
Glory and honour be to you, O God,
Creator of a new heaven and a new earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

~ The Rev. Iona MacLean, First Presbyterian Church, Pictou, Nova Scotia, in Change is Happening, http://presbyterian.ca/pwsd/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Worship10-11.pdf published by the Presbyterian World Service & Development, www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd, the development and relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.

Confession: Beyond the Voice of Reason

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by Paul’s teaching about foolishness in 1 Corinthians.  It was posted on the Seekers Church website.

Prayer of Confession
(inspired by 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, 1 Corinthians 3:18-19)

Jesus calls us to love one another,
to love everyone,
no matter how dangerous that seems.

We listen to the voice of reason,
telling us that laws and rules will keep us safe,
and that safety is the most important goal.

Jesus calls us to pour out our lives,
to give everything we have for the healing of the world.

We listen to the voice of reason,
telling us that money is the measure of success,
and that winning at all costs is always the goal.

Jesus calls us to follow him
beyond the voice of reason,
into a world of foolish hope.

Holy One, forgive us when the delusions of the world
call us away from the reality of the cross.

(Individual prayers of confession)

Words of Assurance

The foolish One,
who was born in a stable in Bethlehem
and stretched out his arms on a cross in Jerusalem,
forgives us and loves us,
no matter how crazy that seems.


Prayer: Reflecting the Light of Christ

Here’s a prayer of commitment inspired by Matthew 5:14-16.  It comes from the LCA Worship Planning Page.

Prayer
(inspired by Matthew 5:14-16)

Faithful God,
you have called us to be a light shining in the world.
Make us reflect the light of Christ,
so that people see your love and goodness
in our words and actions.
We ask this through your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.

~ posted on the LCA Worship Planning Page. http://www.lca.org.au/worship/cowadmin/?p=5594

Pastoral Prayer: Epiphany 5A

Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by Jesus’ teaching about salt and light in Matthew 5: 13-16.  It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Pastoral Prayer
(inspired by Matthew 5: 13-16)

Gracious God,
we thank you for the light that shone in Jesus,
revealing unto us your holiness and our righteousness.
We deplore this gap, yet we rejoice
that you chased the darkness that kept it hidden from our eyes.
By your light we are both encouraged and condemned.
We are reassured to see your face turned in our direction,
bidding us to come unto you.
But we shudder at the sight of us turning our backs on you,
resisting the light that could mirror your glory.

We thank you, O God, for leaving your light in the world
even though we have not always heeded your summons
to become the light of the world.

Instead of illuminating your character, we have blurred it.

You have commanded us to love you with all our being,
but we have consigned our love to the pigeonhole of religion.

You have commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves,
but we have been too preoccupied with ourselves to find them.

You have called us to be peacemakers,
yet we have encouraged the arms makers
with our fears and our fortunes.

You have summoned us to be wall breakers,
yet we have supported the wall makers
with our silence and our sympathy.

We have seen the light, but we have refused to walk in it.

Yet we long, O Lord, to keep your law and do your will.
We ask forgiveness for our rebellion,
not merely for the sake of the joy we have denied ourselves,
but also for the joy we have denied others.

Keep ever before us the needs of the world into which you sent Jesus
and for whose sake he gave himself to the uttermost.
Let us feel its pain as our own,
seek its good as our own,
and work for its transformation
in the name and spirit of him who came into the world
not to condemn but to redeem it.

We listen now, O God, for your word.
Let its message illumine our minds
that we may will as Jesus willed.
Let its spirit quicken our hearts that we may love as Jesus loved.
Let its power speed our steps that we may do as Jesus did.


Prayer: Shine in Us

Perfect Light of revelation,
as you shone in the life of Jesus,
whose epiphany we celebrate,
so shine in us and through us,
that we may become beacons of truth and compassion,
enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. 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/

Reflection: The Faith of Fools

Here’s a reflection on the “foolishness” of Jesus.  It was written by Frederick Buechner.

Reflection
(inspired by 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, 1 Corinthians 3:18-19)

If the world is sane, then Jesus is mad as a hatter...The world says, Law and order, and Jesus says, Love. The world says, Get, and Jesus says, Give. In terms of the world's sanity, Jesus is crazy as a coot, and anybody who thinks we can follow him without being a little crazy too is laboring less under a cross than under a delusion.

~ written by Frederick Buechner, in Listening to Your Life. http://www.amazon.com/Listening-Your-Life-Meditations-Frederick/dp/0060698640

Call to Worship: Epiphany 5A

Here’s a call to worship inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Epiphany 5, Year A.  It comes from the Seekers Church website.

Call to Worship
(inspired by Matthew 5: 14-16, Isaiah 58:6-8)

Jesus calls us to be the light of the world –

To loose the bonds of injustice,
open the eyes that are blind,
and deliver from prison those who sit in darkness.

God invites us to be a light to the nations –

To carry God’s salvation to the ends of the earth.

The Holy Spirit dwells in us,
Giving us strength to do God’s work.

We live in God’s foolish hope for us and for the world!