Prayer of Confession: Walking with God

Here’s a prayer of confession from Rev. Mindi’s Rev-o-lution website.

Prayer of Confession

Almighty God,

You have set before us the path

but we have wandered on our own

to try to find our way.

Sometimes we are like toddlers

and we hear Your call and come back.

Other times, we are children testing boundaries,

ignoring Your call until fear finally makes us look back.

And still other times we are full of youthful rebellion,

demanding to be cut loose and set free,

not knowing how much we still need

to seek Your wisdom and guidance.

But most of all, too often we think we are adults

and have figured it all our and know our own way,

only to stumble and stray so far. 

Remind us, parental God,

that we are always Your children,

that we are never fully grown up in Your sight,

that we always have much to learn.

Help us to seek You every day,

to acknowledge that we need Your wisdom and guidance,

and help us to return to the path and walk with You.

In the name of Christ,

who is our companion on this journey of faith, we pray. Amen.

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

Commission & Benediction: Salt of the Earth

The Spirit of God is upon you and has anointed you.

You are the salt of the earth and you bring light to the world.

You are not too young or too old,

you are not too rich or too needy

to bring good news to the impoverished,

to give a hand to the broken-hearted,

and to live out freedom and pardon

through the gifts you have been given.

So remember to pack peace in your toolbox,

hope in your briefcase,

love in your lunch box,

and may integrity, honesty, and joy be your designer wear of choice.

Do not be frightened, for you are never alone.

The God in whose image you are made

will walk with you and guide you today, tomorrow, and every day.

                                                                                                            

— Copyright © Connie Epp. Used by permission.  Free to use in public worship, with acknowledgement.

Prayer: A Shining Light

Here’s a prayer inspired by Ephesians 5:8-10. It was posted on beliefnet.com.

Prayer

(inspired by Ephesians 5:8-10)

Jesus, You are the Light of the World.

Shine Your light in me today.

Chase away the darkness of sin,

the darkness of fear and doubt and despair.

Fill me with the light of Your truth, Your Word.

Produce in me the fruit of righteousness –

the evidence that Your Holy Spirit lives in me

and works in me and works through me. 

Teach me what is pleasing to You.

Make me a shining example of Your amazing grace,

redeeming love, and life-changing power.

May others be drawn to You through me. Amen.

~ posted on beliefnet.com. http://www.beliefnet.com/ilovejesus/features/10-great-prayers-from-ephesians.aspx?p=2#2Fx15YHzCLC4gS4l.99

Call to Worship: Loving God and One Another

Here’s a call to worship from Rev. Mindi’s Rev-o-lution website.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Matthew 5:13-20, Mark 12:30-31,

Matthew 22:36-40, Luke 10:27)

We are called to bring a new understanding of God:

that God so loves the world.

We are the salt of the earth.

We are called to bring a new hope in God:

that God gives us new life.

We are the light of the world.

We are called to follow

the commandments and the law.

The Law of God is to love God

and to love one another.

Come, let us be the salt of the earth,

the light of the world.

Come, let us love one another

with the love of God.

Let us join together in our love of God

to worship and follow Jesus.

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

Salt and Light Blessing: Matthew 5

Here’s a blessing inspired by Matthew 5:13-16. It was written by Roddy Hamilton and posted on Mucky Paws.

Salt and Light Blessing

(inspired by Matthew 5:13-16)

In a world that is always asking us

to become something,
someone,
some success story,

In this place we say:
don’t become,
be
who we already are.

Don’t become light –
be the light you already are –
this is what God anciently placed in you.

Don’t become salt –
be the salt you already are –

it is in this way you are known to God.

For from these elements:
Salt and Light,
God uniquely crafted you.

Don’t become anything –
be who you are,
and discover the one who loves you
in your be-ing.

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

Prayer of Commitment: Isaiah 58:6

Here’s a prayer of commitment inspired by Isaiah 58:6.  It was posted on the Monthly Prayers page of the Christian Aid website.

Prayer

(inspired by Isaiah 58:6)

“Is not this the fast that I choose...” (Isaiah 58:6)

Lord God, 
Instil in us a sense of your justice. 

May we never take for granted the food that we have, 
nor tell ourselves that hunger is not our problem. 

Help us to use the voices that we have 
to speak up against the many injustices 
that make hunger an ever-present problem. 
Amen

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

Reflection: Salt

Here’s a reflection on salt inspired by Jesus’ teaching about salt in Matthew 5:13, Mark 9:50, and Luke 14:34-35. It was written by Roddy Hamilton and posted on the Mucky Paws website.

Salt

(inspired by Matthew 5:13, Mark 9:50, Luke 14:34-35)

Salt: to melt away the frozenness of God's People

To take what has been dulled
And add the flavour once more

Of tasting suffering in bread crumbs
As well as the heavenly banquet
Of tasting creation in a bite of apple
And the pain of it all

Of tasting the whole story of faith
In a glass of water

Bringing out the life
The fullness
The richness of what lies hidden
And letting the potential
Change us
Enthuse us
Delight us

Salt: melting away what has been frozen
And setting free the fullness
That energises our expectations
Once more

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

Prayer of Dedication: Light in the Darkness

Here’s a prayer of dedication and commitment from John Birch’s Faith and Worship website.

Prayer

(inspired by passages such as Matthew 5:14-16,

Acts 13:47, Ephesians 5:8, Philippians 2:15-16,

1 John 1:5-7, Proverbs 4:18)

You call us to be
your light
in the darkness,
your voice
in the wilderness,
your hope
for the hopeless.

You give us
strength
in our weakness,
peace
and gentleness,
words
and boldness,
to proclaim
more of you
and of us, less.

~ written by John Birch, and posted on Faith and Worship. http://www.faithandworship.com/Lectionary_C/YearC_28th_in_Ordinary.html#ixzz2bWd9nWkx

Prayer of Confession: Seeking the Light

Here’s a prayer of confession from Rev. Mindi’s Rev-o-lution website.

 

Prayer of Brokenness

 

God of Light,

we confess that we have gone astray and have left Your light.

We follow the dim lights of the world of success and fortune.

We follow the dim lights that call us

to be more religious by following rules.

We follow the fading light of personal salvation.

Forgive us for not seeking the true Light

of Your love for all the world.

Forgive us for not following the ways of Jesus,

who commanded us to love one another.

Call us to be light-bearers of love, compassion and justice,

in which the Mystery of Your Love is revealed.

In the name of Jesus the Messiah, we pray. Amen.

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

Prayer: People of the Light

Here is a thoughtful Epiphany (or Christmas) prayer from Walter Brueggemann.

 

Prayer

 

On Epiphany day,

     we are still the people walking.

     We are still people in the dark,

          and the darkness looms large around us,

          beset as we are by fear,

                anxiety,

                brutality,

                violence,

                loss —

          a dozen alienations that we cannot manage.

 

We are — we could be — people of your light.

     So we pray for the light of your glorious presence

          as we wait for your appearing;

     we pray for the light of your wondrous grace

          as we exhaust our coping capacity;

     we pray for your gift of newness that

          will override our weariness;

     we pray that we may see and know and hear and trust

          in your good rule.

 

That we may have energy, courage, and freedom to enact

         your rule through the demands of this day.

         We submit our day to you and to your rule,

            with deep joy and high hope.

~ written by Walter Brueggemann in Prayers for a Privileged People (Nashville: Abingdon, 2008), p. 163. Posted on Journey with Jesus. http://www.journeywithjesus.net/poemsandprayers/

A Psalm of Praise: Psalm 112

Here is a beautiful paraphrase of Psalm 112. It was written by Nan C. Merrill, in Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness.

Prayer of Praise

A Paraphrase of Psalm 112

Praises be to You, O Gracious One!

Blessed are those who reverence the Holy One,

who greatly delight in the Word!

For they dwell with Love,

and their children will learn of peace and justice.

Abundance and wholeness will be their heritage,

and truth will be their banner.

Light penetrates the darkness for those who face their fears;

Love stands by them with mercy and forgiveness.

It goes well for those who are loving and kind,

who live their days with justice and integrity.

They become co-creators with the Divine One;

they bless the world with their presence.

In times of trouble, they know not fear;

their hearts are firm,

trusting in your Loving Companion Presence.

Yes, their hearts are steady, they are not afraid,

even their enemies are blessed by their love.

They are generous and give freely;

the needy are offered shelter and food;

justice and mercy make their home there;

and their righteousness endures forever.

The unloving are witness to this;

who knows when the seed will find a fertile heart?

The fruits of those who know Love are blessing to all!

~ written by Nan C. Merrill, in Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness.  https://www.amazon.com/Psalms-Praying-Invitation-Nan-Merrill/dp/0826410456

Confession: Light of the World

Here’s a prayer of confession from the Presbyterian Church in Canada website.

Prayer of Confession

God of glory,

you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world,

to reveal your love for all people.

We confess that our sin and pride hide the brightness of your light.

We turn away from the poor;

we ignore cries for justice;

we do not strive for peace.

Forgive us, God.  In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin,

and baptize us once again with your Spirit,

so that, as forgiven and renewed people,

we may reflect the love and life of Jesus Christ

into our world.

Assurance of Pardon

(inspired by Colossians 3:1)

Our God is a God of grace and mercy and love;

know that our sins have been forgiven.

May we be strengthened in all goodness.

Since we have been raised with Christ,

let us seek the things that are above,

where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Thanks be to God; amen.

~ posted on the Presbyterian Church in Canada website. http://presbyterian.ca/worship/

Prayer of Confession: Salt of the Earth

Here’s a prayer of confession from Presbyterian World Service & Development website.  It was inspired by Mark 9:50.

Prayer of Confession

(inspired by Mark 9:50)

Salt is good for seasoning.

But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Mark 9:50

Merciful God,

You call us to be salt of the earth and light of the world.

We confess that our witness is often bland and gloomy.

Forgive us when we fail to be an influence for good,

and when we condone or do what is wrong in Your sight.

Help us to flavour the earth with righteousness

and to reflect the light of Your love in a dark world;

through Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Amen.

~ written by The Rev. Iona MacLean, First Presbyterian Church, Pictou, Nova Scotia, in Change is Happening, published by the Presbyterian World Service & Development, the development and relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and a member of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd

Benediction: Living Witness

Here’s a closing commission and benediction from Rev Gord’s Worship Offerings blog.

Commission and Benediction

As people of faith we have gathered for worship.

As people of faith we now return to the world.

Go out to share the story of faith,

the story of life, with the world around you.

We share the faith in word and in deed,

in speech and in action.

As you go out to give a living witness,

as you go out to testify to God's love active in the world,

go knowing that God goes with you,

sharing the laughter and the hope, the fears and the tears.

Thanks be to God! Amen.

~ posted by Rev Gord on his blog, Worship Offerings. http://worshipofferings.blogspot.ca/

Praying the Sermon on the Mount

Here’s a prayer of petition and commitment inspired by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5).  It was written by Jamie Arpin-Ricci in his book The Cost of Community.  (See below for links.)

Praying the Sermon on the Mount

(inspired by Matthew 5-7)

Lord and Creator,

let us embrace the costly blessings which you desire for us,

blessings that confound the wisdom and strength of this world.

Teach us to be your agents of preservation in a world touched by death,

and beacons of hope in a world shrouded in darkness.

Transform us into your image through the crucible of the cross,

writing your mandates upon our hearts, made pure by you perfect love.

Embolden us to be your ambassadors,

Living as representatives of your holy kingdom,

stirring in us your love for others,

especially for those who would seek to destroy us because of you.

Make us decrease so that you might increase,

as a watching world sees you, not us.

Daily we declare that your priorities are ours,

even before our own needs and desires.

Every moment we live, we live for your glory—

the glory of a loving Father and a just King.

Free us of any distraction, craving or anxiety

that would keep us from fully following you.

For we acknowledge that everything we could possibly need

is yours to give us.

Remind us of our sinful brokenness and your gift of grace

as we encounter brokenness in others.

You are the answer to our every question.

You are the treasure that we desperately seek,

and it is you who invite us into your salvation,

as prodigals returning to the Father’s embrace.

Keep us upon your path of righteousness and justice,

bearing the good fruit of your Spirit,

for it is on you, Lord Jesus, that all hope is built,

For all of creation, now and forever more. Amen

~ written by Jamie Arpin-Ricci, in The Cost of Community by Jamie Arpin Ricci.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UXKB3S   Posted on Godspace. http://godspace-msa.com/2012/09/28/prayers-for-the-journey-48/

A Prayer on Graduation Day

Here’s a prayer of commitment for graduating students, inspired by some of Jesus' teachings about what it means to live as Christ-followers. The prayer comes from the Catholic Online website.

A Prayer on Graduation Day

(inspired by Matthew 5: 13-16, Matthew 13: 33, Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19: 12-28)

Light

Lord Jesus,

you have said that your followers must be the light to the world.
Light propagates itself, dispels darkness.
It sows rays of joy and hope. It is life-giving.

Help me, Lord, to be a light to this world,
so that my life radiates your message of love, hope, and joy.
May I be the beacon leading to You those who seek truth.

Salt

You also said, Lord Jesus,
that your disciples must be the salt to this earth.
Salt gives taste to food.
It retards spoilage.
It is also a healing agent.

Lord, may I be the salt
that takes away the blandness in the routine of living,
that prevents the rottenness of hatred and greed

from expanding around me,
that brings compassionate healing to anguished souls I encounter.
Lord, help me to be "worth my salt."
And infuse your "saltiness" in me,

so that I do not become "flat" and useless.

Leaven

"Be the leaven to the world," said You to your friends.
Bread, a staple of life, and cakes, always present at celebrations,
would be dull and lifeless without the tiny bit of yeast.
Without it, the dough remains inert, hard.

Elsewhere, You also told us to multiply our talents.
You expect that we use the talents you gave us

as the leaven to this world.

Teach me, Lord Jesus, that alone I am insignificant,
but mixed with the talents of my brothers and sisters,
I can lift this world out of its insipid mediocrity.
May I be a bit of leaven in the Bread of Life,
and a sign of Your celebration in this life and life eternal.

Commitment

Lord, on this "commencement" day,
let there be a new beginning of my life.
In the days of darkness, be my Light,
so that in turn I can radiate your truth 

and your message of love, hope, and joy.

In the days of blandness and of blahs, Lord,

be my Salt, so that in turn I can fend off the corruption,
the staleness, the mediocrity around me.

In the days when I am flat on my back or fall flat on my face,
Lord, be my Leaven, so that not only can I rise again,
but also raise the downhearted to the celebration of your Love. 

Amen.

~ posted on the Catholic Online website. http://www.catholic.org/

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/