Prayer: Come, Spirit of God

Here’s a prayer of invocation and petition from the Third Space website.

Prayer for Justice

God the Holy Spirit,

You are the restless breath of love that sweeps through the world.

You move where you will, breaking down barriers,

Stirring hearts to change, making all things possible.

Inspire each one of us to hunger and thirst for justice!

Come, Spirit of God,

Sweep through our world bringing great change.

May the bounty of your goodness be shared more justly,

So all may share in the rich blessings of your creation.

And, for us, bring transformation in our praying and living,

So that we may act justly, love mercy,

And walk humbly with you all the days of our lives. 

Amen.

~ posted on the Third Space website. http://third-space.org.uk/blog

The Beatitudes

Here’s a fresh taken on the Beatitudes from Brian McLaren and Rob Bell. It was posted on Third Space.

The Beatitudes

(see Luke 6:20-22, Matthew 5:3-12)

The poor, and those in solidarity with them –

God is on your side.

Those who mourn and feel grief about the state of the world –

God is on your side.

The non-violent, gentle and humble –

God is on your side.

Those who hunger and thirst for the common good –

God is on your side.

The merciful and compassionate –

God is on your side.

Those characterized by sincerity, kindness and generosity –

God is on your side.

Those who work for peace and reconciliation –

God is on your side.

Those who keep seeking justice –

God is on your side.

Those who stand for justice and truth as the prophets did,

who refuse to be quiet even when slandered,

misrepresented, threatened, imprisoned or harmed –

God is on your side!

~ posted on the Third Space blog. http://third-space.org.uk/fairtrade-beatitudes-and-sanctuary/

Call to Worship: Genesis 22

Here’s “a call to worship for a difficult text:  the binding of Isaac,” writes its author, Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy. 

Call to Worship

(inspired by Genesis 22: 1-14; Micah 6:8; Deuteronomy 6:5)

What does the Lord require of you?

To do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with our God.

What does God command of us?

To love God with all our heart,

and all our soul,

and all our mind,

and all our strength,

and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

God does not call us to ease or to comfort.

But to presence, and abundance,

and grace in our struggle.

Let us worship the God who believes in us,

and trusts in us, and abides with us.

Let us worship the God who will ask much of us,

but will be beside us every step of the way. 

~ written by Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, Pastor at First Church Congregational, Rochester, NH.  She blogs at http://sermonizing.wordpress.com/

Sending Words: The Faith of Fools

Here are sending words inspired by Paul’s teaching about “foolishness” in 1 Corinthians.  It was written by Cheryl Lawrie, and posted on [hold this space].

Sending Words

(inspired by 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, 3:18-20)

They are right,
those who doubt what we do.
It is purely the product of over-active imaginations.

Who but the foolish would look at barren ground and imagine food for all,
see past desolation and believe it will become an oasis,
would not be stopped by war, but live for the day it will be peace,
and reach deep into the world’s fear in the prayer it would bring life.

So if faith is the terrain of the deluded
then may you leave here with the faith of the fools
who have loved the world since it’s beginning
and will live for its redemption until its end.

~ written by Cheryl Lawrie, and posted on [hold this space].  http://holdthisspace.org.au/

Call to Worship: Beatitudes

Here’s a contemporary call to worship inspired by the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12, Luke 6:20-22).  It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Matthew 5:3-12, Luke 6:20-22)

Happy are we

when our treasures cannot be quantified.

Happy are we

when our knowledge is tempered by mystery.

Happy are we

when our pain is held in the balm of love.

Happy are we

when our delight comes from beyond ourselves.

~ written by Katherine Hawker (2006), and posted on Liturgy Outside. http://liturgyoutside.net/beatitudes.pdf

Prayer: Strange Territory

Here is a prayer which reflects on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12, Luke 6:20-22). It was written by Christine Jerrett in 2011, and posted on her blog (see link below).

Strange Territory:

A prayer reflecting on the Beatitudes

God of life and of truth,

Your Son invites us to see the world through your eyes

and we find ourselves disoriented:

You bless the poor

You bless the meek

You bless the pure in heart.

You turn our world and its values upside down.

We have signed on to follow your Son

but this is strange territory.

It doesn’t look anything like

the life we have been taught to yearn for,

to work for,

to believe will bring us happiness.

Yet, You know the despair that besets

so many of our young people

who fear that their future has been mortgaged

by our greed and carelessness.

You hear the cries of those who

have traded their souls for power and money

and now have emptiness as a friend.

You see those who are caught in lives that

lead only to weariness and anxiety.

Set us at Jesus’ feet

so we can learn to judge our lives differently.

Awaken in us that hunger and thirst for you

which will lead us to your will

and your peace.

Open our eyes to see your unexpected blessings.

Open our hearts to welcome you

when you come to us in strange ways.

Then make us into a community of blessedness

that beckons this neighbourhood

into your joy.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus

who blesses us with your living presence

and fills our lives with your life-changing truth. Amen. 

~ posted on Christine Jerrett. https://christinejerrett.wordpress.com/

Litany: Happy are They

Here’s a responsive litany from the Canadian Interfaith Conference.

Happy are They

(inspired by Matthew 5:1-12 and other passages)

Happy are all they that wait for the LORD.  (Isaiah 30:18)  

Happy are all they that put their trust in him. (Psalm 2:12)                                                         

Happy are they who know that they are poor;

the kingdom of heaven is theirs. (Matt. 5:3)

Happy are they whose delight is in the law of the Lord.  (Ps. 1:1-2)                                       

Happy are they of a gentle spirit; (Ps. 37:11)

They shall have the earth for their inheritance.  (Matthew 5:5)                                                                         

Happy are they who do hunger and thirst to see the right prevail;

For they shall be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6)                                                                          

Happy are the merciful;

For they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

Happy are the pure in heart;

For they shall see God. (Psalm 24:4, Matthew 5:8)

Happy are the peacemakers;                                                                            

For they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)                                                         

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,

that we should be called the children of God.

And such we are. (1 John 3:1)

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things;

And blessed be the Name of his majesty for ever:

Let all the earth be filled with his glory.  (Ps. 72:19-20)

Amen and Amen. 

~ in Canadian Centennial Anthology of Prayer (The Canadian Interfaith Conference, 1967). http://www.amazon.ca/Canadian-Centennial-Anthology-Interfaith-Conference/dp/B0087KOKTW

Epiphany Prayer: Christ of the Four Directions

Here’s a prayer for the forth Sunday after Epiphany Sunday from the Christian Aid website. It was adapted from “Invocation to the Christ of the Four Directions” (South, West, North, East), written by Suzanne Fageol.

 

Prayer for Epiphany:

Christ of the Four Directions

Christ of the East,
Christ of the South,
Christ of the West,
Christ of the North:

We turn our hearts to you
hoping and praying for
peace and life
to dispel the shadows
of war and death.

We turn our faces to you
trusting and believing for
love and grace
to shine upon us and
to radiate to all.

We turn our lives to you
even if we know only in part
what we will one day know fully
even as we are fully known.
And now may faith hope and love,
love most of all,
abide in us as we journey together through this year. Amen.

~ adapted from “Invocation to the Christ of the Four Directions” written by Suzanne Fageol. Posted on the Monthly Prayers page (now Weekly Worship) of the Christian Aid website. https://www.christianaid.org.uk/churches/weekly-worship

Prayers of the People: Beatitudes

Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-16). It was posted on the Literature and Liturgy website.

Pastoral Prayer

(inspired by Matthew 5:1-16)

God of the prophets,
God of Christ:
we are reminded today
that your blessings do not necessarily follow the logic of the world.

The world believes that the rich are blessed,
but Jesus reminds us that it is the poor who are blessed,
the poor in spirit
and the materially poor as well.
We pray for a more just world
in which all have enough and none are left behind.

Though we fear death and avoid its inevitable arrival,
Jesus tells us that those who mourn are blessed.
Help us to experience the truth of this mystery;
bring healing and wholeness to those who are sick;
and comfort those of us who have lost loved ones.

While people covet power,
Jesus blesses the meek;
instruct us, O God, in the ways of humility;
help us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized;
show us your presence in the faces of those the world forgets.

Give us a hunger and thirst for righteousness;
fill our hearts with love, overflowing with mercy;
make our hearts pure, and give us a vision of your glory.

In a society divided by race, gender, class, ideology, sexual orientation,
and so many other labels we alone have created,
remind us that we are created in your image,
each of us a beautiful reflection of you,
each of us your beloved child.
Help us then to end our conflicts and wars,
help us to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation.

Gracious God,
you have so richly blessed us with life,
with love and joy,
with hope in the midst of despair.
Help us to be the salt of the earth.
Help us to be the light of the world,
sharing with others that which we have received,
boldly proclaiming the good news of your love,
finding the seeds of your kingdom within us
and letting your way grow in our lives and throughout the world.

Give us eyes to see the ways you are changing the world in which we live.
Give us ears to hear your call to join with you in the great transformation.

Hear us now, o God,
as we pray for the coming of your kingdom,
following Christ as he taught us to pray:

Our Father… 

~ posted on Literature & Liturgy. https://jesusscribbles.wordpress.com/

Call to Worship: James 3-4

Here’s a responsive call to worship inspired by James 3:13-4:8, one of the suggested scripture readings for Proper 20, Year B. It was posted on the Literature & Liturgy blog.

Responsive Call to Worship

(inspired by James 3:13- 4:8)

Who among you is seeking the wisdom of God?
We long to hear God’s Word spoken to our hearts.
Who among you is seeking God’s bright and holy truth?
We long to learn the ways of wisdom and righteousness.
Who among you is seeking a Spirit-filled life?
We long to live lives of holiness and light.
God grants God’s wisdom generously to all who ask.
Come near, people of God!

Let us worship in wisdom and truth. 

~ posted on Literature & Liturgy. https://jesusscribbles.wordpress.com/

Blessing: The wisdom of God

Here’s a benediction/blessing from the Literature & Liturgy blog.

Benediction

May the holy wisdom of God
Guard your ways and guide your paths
May the living truth of God
Enlighten your hearts and open your minds
And may the living Spirit of God
Give you life, and life to the full!
Amen! 

~ posted on Literature & Liturgy. https://jesusscribbles.wordpress.com/

Opening Prayer: 1 Corinthians 1

Here’s an opening prayer inspired by 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25.  It comes from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship website.

Opening Prayer

(inspired by 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25)

 
Loving God,
we come to you in worship and thanksgiving.
You are greater than we can understand;
open our eyes that we may see the wonderful truths
you have shown to us in Jesus.
You are more loving than our hearts can respond to;
help us to give ourselves to you in worship
so that we learn what you want us to be.
You are wiser than we can know;
still our minds as we worship you
so that we can understand the things you are saying to us.
Loving God, in Jesus
you chose to come to the world in humility.
You chose the path the world saw as foolish.
You used what the world considered weak.
We worship and adore you. Amen. 

~ from The Worship Sourcebook 1.4.42.  Posted on the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship website. http://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/worship-service-a-foolish-message-1-corinthians-1/

Prayer & Call to Worship: The Gathering One

Here’s a combination opening prayer and call to worship for the 4^th Sunday after Epiphany, Year A…or for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25). It was posted on the Monthly Prayers page of the Christian Aid website.

Opening Prayer

and Call to Worship

“But we proclaim Christ crucified....”  1 Corinthians 1:23

O God, you are the gathering one 
who calls us into community 
with each other 
to love and work, 
to support and heal.

You are the gathering one 
who calls us into community 
with all people; 
to bring justice and hope, 
freedom and truth.

You are the gathering one 
who calls us into community 
with the whole creation; 
to live in harmony, 
to cherish and renew.

Let us worship the God 
who makes us one.

~ posted on the Monthly Prayers page of the Christian Aid website. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/ 

Prayer: Matthew 5

Here’s a prayer inspired by Matthew 5:1-12, the suggested gospel reading for Epiphany 4 and All Saints Day, Year A. It comes from the PCUSA website.

All Saints Day Prayer

(inspired by Matthew 5:1-12)

Blessed are you, O God,

for you are holy, gracious, and good,

the hope of all the faithful.

Empower the meek

and encourage the poor.

Comfort those who mourn

and fill humble hearts with gladness.

Give food to the hungry,

drink to the thirsty,

peace to the peacemakers,

mercy to the merciful,

and honor to the despised.

Sustain your saints in ministry,

until at last they see their reward:

the joy of eternal life with you;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

~ from the PCUSA website. https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_all_saints_day.pdf

Call to Worship: Matthew 5: 1-10

Here’s a responsive call to worship inspired by Matthew 5:1-10. It was written by Rev. Mindi and posted on Rev-o-lution.

Responsive Call to Worship

(inspired by Matthew 5:1-10)

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

the downtrodden and despairing,

    They will rejoice in God’s reign forever.

Blessed are those who mourn,

who are grieving

    They will be comforted in God’s reign forever.

Blessed are the ones who seek

justice and righteousness

    They will find it in God’s reign forever.

Blessed are we when we love our neighbors

and seek their needs

    We will live in God’s reign forever.

Blessed are we all when we seek to serve others

in God’s name.

    Let us worship together, serving one another

    and serving our Mighty God. Amen.

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

Blessing Litany

Here are some selected highlights of Jesus life told using the format of the Beatitudes. It was written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws.

Litany of Blessing: Be-Attitude

(inspired by Matthew 5:1-10)

Blessed are you who make room at your table
for in that way even tax-collectors shall be redeemed

Blessed are you who seek out lost sheep
for your seeking you find more than a lamb

Blessed are you who touch the leper
for you make a home for the excluded

Blessed are you who welcome the prodigal
for you express the fullness of the love that is God

Blessed are the silenced
for you hear the cry of God

Blessed are you who make friends with your enemy
for you know the way to lasting peace

Blessed are you who turn the other cheek
for you show more strength than the oppressor

Blessed are you who break bread with the stranger
you will have a foretaste of the kingdom

Blessed are you who heal on the Sabbath
you will reveal what is important to God

Blessed are you who seek company with the outcast and unclean
for you shall be accompanying Jesus

Blessed are you who overturn the tables
you are the freedom fighters of love 

Blessed are you who love your neighbour
for you already live in the realm of God

Blessed are you who walk the way
for you shall move within the company of heaven

Blessed are you who carry a cross
for you shall see God’s wisdom

Blessed are you who wait for the morning
for you shall see the renewal of life

~ written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws. http://www.nkchurch.org.uk/index.php/mucky-paws

Prayer of Confession: Psalm 15

Here’s a congregational act of confession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for the fourth Sunday after Epiphany. It was written by Stephen Fearing and posted on Wild and Precious Life.

Prayer of Confession

(inspired by Psalm 15)

Holy God,
we do not deserve to be in your dwelling place.
We have not led a blameless life.
We have not done what is right in your sight 
or spoken the truth that you have sealed in our hearts.
We have done evil to both those we love 
    and to those we refuse to love as we should.
We have not been faithful stewards of that which we have been blessed
    and have hoarded that which should be shared

    with the least of these.
Hear our cry, God of our hope,

as we confess that which weighs us down…

Redeeming God,
save us from our foolishness and guide us to your wisdom.
Gather us in your righteousness and redemption.
Forgive us for we are seeking your light and your salvation.
Cleanse us of our brokenness that we might do justice,
    love kindness, and walk humbly with you.  Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Because we are not worthy to enter God’s dwelling,

God came to dwell with us

through the body and being of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. 

Christ came to be with us, amongst us, and for us. 

Hear the good news of the Gospel: 

in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!  Alleluia!  Amen!

~ written by Stephen Fearing, and posted on Wild and Precious Life. http://www.stephenmfearing.com/

Prayer of Blessing: Matthew 5: 1-12

Here’s a prayer of intercession and blessing inspired by the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. It was written by Susan Durber and posted on the Christian Aid website.

Prayer

(inspired by Matthew 5:1-12)

God, bless those who are in poor spirit,
who feel empty inside and who dread the day.

God, bless those who mourn and grieve,
who ache with loss for someone so much loved.

God, bless the people who are meek,
who do not grasp or shout or demand to be first in the queue.

God, bless the people who are hungry for justice
and who cannot wait for everyone to have their rights.

God, bless all who are merciful,
who have learned to forgive even those who hurt them hard.

God, bless all who are pure in heart,
in whom there is no vengefulness, but only love.

God, bless the peacemakers,
the ones who, by their words and deeds, can change the world.

God, bless the persecuted ones,
and keep them safe from those who would hurt them.

God, so rich in blessings for your children,
we rejoice in your promises and in your boundless and transforming grace.
Amen.

~ written by Susan Durber, and posted on the Monthly Prayers page of the Christian Aid website. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/

Blessing: Blessed Are We

Here’s a poem from Pastor Dan. It was inspired by Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed are we

(inspired by Matthew 5: 1-12)

Blessed in the midst of God’s love

Blessed in the midst of our world

Blessed in what we feel         

    see

    do

Blessed

Even in the times we find it hard

To see

    the blessing

Even then

We can know ourselves

As the children of God

Especially then

We can know

   see

   feel

God’s presence in our lives

Blessed

God’s love in our lives

Given by the One

Who came to save

Blessed are you

In the name of Christ

~ written by Pastor Dan, and posted on Pastor Dan’s Grace Notes. http://coslcgrace.blogspot.ca/

Prayer: Blessings

Here’s a prayer of petition from Thom M. Schuman’s Prayers4Today website.

Prayer

give me, O God, this day: 

         humility, 
   so i can see you in the 
      most vulnerable; 

         a cup 
   to catch the tears 
   of all who weep; 

         an arm 
   for the longanimous [long-suffering] to 
   cling to as they walk 
      through life; 

         a broken heart 
   which can heal those 
   who have harmed me; 

         guilelessness 
   which looks at the other 
   and sees your beloved (not 
      an object); 

         friendship 
   which embraces those 
   we are taught to fear; 

         hospitality 
   which welcomes those 
   who are ridiculed as 
      they shadow you; 

         words 
   of hope, of comfort, of grace 
   whispered in the ears 
      of all who are slandered 
      for your name. 

~ written by Thom M. Shuman, copyright  © 2014 Thom M. Shuman.  Posted on Prayers 4 Today. http://prayersfortoday.blogspot.ca/