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/

Pastoral Prayer for All Saints

Here’s a prayer of remembrance and intercession for All Saints Day (November 1). It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Pastoral Prayer

for All Saints

Living God, in whom there is no shadow or change,

we thank you for the gift of life eternal,

and for all those who, having served you well,

now rest from their labours.

We thank you for all the saints remembered and forgotten,

for those dear souls most precious to us.  

Today we give thanks for those who during the last twelve months

have died and entered into glory.

(Names may be mentioned here….)

We bless you for their life and love,

and rejoice for them “all is well,

and all manner of things will be well.”

God of Jesus and our God, 

mindful of all those choice souls who have gone on ahead of us,

teach us, and each twenty-first century disciple of every race and place,

to follow their example to the best of our ability:

      to feed the poor in body or spirit,

      to support and comfort the mourners and the repentant,

      to encourage the meek and stand with them in crises,

      to affirm those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

      to cherish and learn from the merciful,    

      to be humbled by, and stand with, the peacemakers.

Let us clearly recognise what it means

to be called the children of God,

and to know we are to be your saints

neither by our own inclination nor

in our own strength

      but simply by the call

      and the healing holiness

      of Christ Jesus our Saviour. Amen!

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page. http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocA/61SAINTS.htm

Prayer of Thanksgiving for All Saints Day

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving suitable for use on All Saints Day (November 1).  It was written by Thom M. Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies.

Prayer for All Saints

You have blessed us
with saints all of our lives,
God of the ages:
those who put up with us,
and those who prepared us for discipleship;
those who have touched us with their compassion,
and those who illumine the way for us.

Through the valleys and over the hills,

down the dusty streets of every village,
saints traveled with you,
Jesus, Child of grace and glory:
those who impetuously chased after you,
and those whose feet longed to turn back;
those who jostled for your attention,
and those who made sure little children
were able to meet you.
 
You surround us with saints,
even when we don't recognize
or much less appreciate them, Spirit of wonder:
some live down the corner from us,
while others are on the other side of the world;
some run to catch the leaves spiraling to the ground,
while others make a meal for a sick neighbor's family.
 
For all the saints of every age, especially ours,
we give you our gratitude and praise,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.

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

Pastoral Prayer: All Saints Day

Here’s a pastoral prayer suitable for use on All Saints Day (November 1 or the Sunday closest).  It was written by Rev. Richard J. Hull II, and published on the website of the Christian Church Foundation.

All Saints: Pastoral Prayer

Holy Being,

who called all of us into life,

from the first Adam and Eve

to the babies born around the world this morning,

you have labored and we have been born;

holy is your name in all the earth.

We thank you this day for all who have shown us your way.

Abraham and Sarah heard your call and ventured new places,

even when they were old.

We listen for your call today. (Pause)

Miriam and Moses danced and led your people

from suffering toward a new promise.

We await a vision of your burning fire today. (Pause)

Deborah fought, Samuel prayed and they led in different ways.

We are preparing to lead this day. (Pause)

David and Bathsheba sinned and were forgiven.

We confess our sin and long for your grace today. (Pause)

Amos spoke and Esther stood tall for the sake of justice.

We open ourselves to your strength today. (Pause)

Mother Mary and Brother Jesus accepted your call.

We attend to your word this day. (Pause)

Peter and Paul, Magdalene and Lydia,

and saints through the ages picked up their cross.

We pray that we might faithfully follow today. (Pause)

Holy Being,

who called us to into life through the saints in our lives,

be born anew to us,

that we might serve all your saints;

the hungry and thirsty,

the sick and imprisoned,

the naked and forgotten

to honor to your holy name in all the earth. Amen.

~ from Celebrating All Saints Day: Resources for Congregational Ministry and Worship, Rev. Richard J. Hull II, Contributing Author.  Published online by Christian Church Foundation. http://www.christianchurchfoundation.org/userfiles/files/allsaintsdayworshipresource2012.pdf

Benediction for All Saints Day

Here is a closing commission, suitable for use on All Saints Day or any other occasion when we reflect on what it means to live as God's people in the world.  If I were using it, I would add a statement of blessing at the end.

Closing Commission for All Saints Day

God’s people have celebrated all that God has done,

from creation, to the cross,

to the saints who have lived among us.

Now we go from this place

to the work place,

the home place,

the market place;

every place living as God’s own people.

~ from Celebrating All Saints Day: Resources for Congregational Ministry and Worship, Rev. Richard J. Hull II, Contributing Author.  Published online by Christian Church Foundation. http://www.christianchurchfoundation.org/userfiles/files/allsaintsdayworshipresource2012.pdf

Prayer of Thanksgiving for All Saints

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving suitable for All Saints Day.  It was written by Nathan Decker.

Prayer for All Saints

You, Lord, have called us:

voices and grandfathered whispers off yellowed pages,

guides in the desert,

faceless faith still being shared.

You, Lord, have lifted us up by your hand:

wrinkled strong hands of grandmother’s grace,

quiet prayers spoken,

lifting us up from despair.

You, Lord, have shown us light:

the light of millions of candles sharing their faith.

The light of saints past,

the living tradition of the redeemed,

the resurrection retelling,

the passing of this flame

from generation to generation.

We remember,

and because of you in them,

we walk in the candlelight of Christ. Amen.

~ from “Remembering the Saints” by Rev. Nathan Decker.  Posted on the website of the Plainfield United Methodist Church in Plainfield, Illinois. http://plainfieldumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/11.3.13-8.30-Bulletin.pdf

Blessing: The Trinity Restores You

Here’s a blessing inspired by Psalm 80.  It was written by Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, and posted on Soul Shepherding.

The Trinity Restores You

(inspired by Psalm 80)

The Trinity restores you;

they make their face to shine all around you

so that you are saved.

The Father loves you;

He makes his face to shine down on you

so that you are saved.

The Son graces you;

He makes his face to shine right beside you

so that you are saved.

The Spirit lives in you;

He makes his face to shine inside you

so that you are saved.

The Trinity empowers you;

they make their face to shine through you

so that others are saved.

~ written by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere, inspired by Psalm 80.  Posted on Soul Shepherding. http://www.soulshepherding.org/

Call to Worship: The Kingship of Christ

Here’s a responsive litany or call to worship on the kingship of Jesus.  It was written by John Leach.

Litany

Thanks and praise to you,

Jesus Christ, King and Lord of all,

given the name above every other name

Jesus, King and Lord of all,

we worship and adore you.

King of righteousness, King of peace,

enthroned at the right hand

of Majesty on high

Jesus, King and Lord of all,

we worship and adore you

Great high priest,

living for ever to intercede for us;

Jesus, King and Lord of all,

we worship and adore you.

Pioneer of our salvation,

you bring us to glory

through your death and resurrection;

Jesus, King and Lord of all,

we worship and adore you.

Every knee bows to you;

every tongue confesses,

you are King of kings

and Lord of Lords,

to the glory of God the Father.

~ copyright © John Leach/administered by The Jubilate Group.  Posted on The Jubilate Group website. http://www.jubilate.co.uk/liturgy/liturgy/kingship_call_to_worship

Prayer of Thanksgiving: All Saints

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving and commitment suitable for use on All Saints Day/Sunday.  It was posted on Consider Your Call.

Prayer of Thanksgiving for All Saints

O Lord our God,

We thank you for the many people throughout the ages

Who have followed your way of life joyfully:

For the many saints and martyrs, men and women,

Who have offered up their very lives, so that your life abundant may become manifest.

For your love and faithfulness we will at all times praise you.

O Lord, we thank you for those who chose the way of Jesus Christ.

In the midst of trial, they held out hope,

In the midst of hatred, they kindled love;

In the midst of persecutions, they witnessed to your power;

In the midst of despair, they clung to your promise.

For your love and faithfulness we will at all times praise you.

O Lord, we thank you for the truth they passed on to us:

That it is by giving that we receive;

It is by becoming weak that we shall be strong;

It is by loving others that we shall be loved;

It is by offering ourselves that your kingdom shall unfold;

It is by dying that we shall inherit life everlasting.

Lord, give us courage to follow your way of life.

For your love and faithfulness we will at all times praise you

~ posted on Consider Your Call. http://www.consideryourcall.org/sites/default/files/CYC-Media/Toolbox/Materials/Worship-Toolbox.pdf 

For a longer version of this prayer, click here.

Intercession: All Saints

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving and intercession from the World Council of Churches.

Thanksgiving and Intercession: All Saints

O Lord our God,

we thank you for the many people

who have followed your way of life joyfully:

for the many saints and martyrs, men and women

who have offered up their very lived

so that your life abundant

may become manifest

and your kingdom may advance

Optional sung response

They chose the way of your Son,

our brother, Jesus Christ.

In the midst of trial, they held out hope;

in the midst of persecutions, they witnessed to your power;

in the midst of despair, they clung to your promise.

Optional sung response

O Lord, we thank you for the truth

they have learned and passed on to us.

Give us courage to follow their way of life.

For your love and faithfulness

we will at all times praise your name.

Optional sung response

We pray for the millions in our world who must go hungry today,

all who are exploited and marginalized

because of their caste or class, colour or sex,

that they may not lose their hope,

and may find the strength to struggle for their dignity.

Optional sung response

We call upon you for those who are persecuted, imprisoned, tortured

or threatened with death because of their witness to justice and peace.

For those who have “disappeared” because they dared to speak,

that their spirits may not be broken by their bodies’ pain.

Optional sung response

We remember those who live in regions torn by tension and war,

by disaster, famine and poverty…

We pray especially for the Middle East, for Pakistan, for Haiti,

for the Democratic Republic of Congo, for the horn of Africa, for Sudan …

(other places and situations can be mentioned at this point)

We pray for the millions of refugees around the world,

that in the midst of tears and bitterness

they may discern signs of hope.

Optional sung response

Lord, into your hands we commend our earth,

ever-threatened with disaster,

and all persons and situations we have spoken about,

written down or remembered in the silence of our hearts this day.

Optional sung response

Strengthen our will for peace and justice;

increase our faith in your kingdom

where “love and faithfulness will meet,

righteousness and peace will embrace”

and may your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.

~ from “Choose Life; Choose Peace with Justice,” in Midday Prayers for Peace and Justice on Hiroshima Day, August, 2010.  Posted on the World Council of Churches website. http://www.oikoumene.org/

Prayer: All Saints

God of the generations,

when we set our hands to labor,

thinking we work alone,

remind us that we carry

on our lips

the words of prophets,

in our veins

the blood of martyrs,

in our eyes

the mystics’ visions,

in our hands

the strength of thousands.

~ written by Jan L. Richardson, and posted on The Painted Prayerbook. http://paintedprayerbook.com/

Prayer of Confession: Selfishness

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

Prayer of Confession

You have given us
a world of beauty,
and we have spoilt it.
A world to feed us,
and so many go hungry.
A world of riches,
and we are unwilling to share.
A world to care for,
and we think only of ourselves.
Forgive us, gracious God,
every time your heart is saddened
by our selfishness,
every time we have no thought
for others, no cares but ours.
Enable us to see this world
as a gift from you
that can be shared,
and those who live on it
as our neighbours.
We ask this that your name
may be glorified,
through the beauty of this world,
and the service of our lives.
Amen

~ written by John Birch, and posted on Faith and Worship. http://www.faithandworship.com/

Reflection: Swords and Plowshares

Here’s a brief reflection inspired by Matthew 10:34 and Luke 12:51.  It was written by Katherine Hawker.

Swords and Plowshares

(inspired by Matthew 10: 34 and Luke 12: 51)

We bring swords

that you turn into plowshares.

We bring expectations of peace

and you meet us with swords.

God

help us.

~ written by Katherine Hawker. Posted on Liturgies Outside. http://liturgyoutside.net/

Prayer of Confession: Psalm 82

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by Psalm 82. It was written by Henrietta Stith Andrews, and posted on the Worship Ways website.

Confession

(inspired by Psalm 82)

O God of all good gifts 

How generous are your provisions for us!

Even before we are aware of our needs,

you know what it is that we need.

You invite us into community and

provide for us out of your steadfast love:

nourishment for our bodies,

protection from the elements and safety. 

You ask in return

that we respond to your love

by working for justice: nourishment and protection for all.

You expect that we will seek righteousness as a way of life.

But so often O God, we fail to live

being mindful of others

in a caring, just and righteous way.

           

When your love and justice do not flow through our lives,

our community withers, and so do we.

Forgive us, O God! 

In your loving care,

show us again the way to participate in your realm.

Words of Assurance

My friends, be assured that God hears our petitions!

God continues to expect of us a life in which justice prevails.    

This is God’s desire for us.

We, God’s forgiven people, are free to live into that desire.

God loves us still.  Amen.

~ written by Henrietta Stith Andrews, and posted on the Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/

Pastoral Prayer: Luke 12: 49-56

Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by Luke 12: 49-56. It was written by Reverend Randy N. Sherrill.

Pastoral Prayer

(inspired by Luke 12: 49-56)

Refining God,

the blaze of your honesty separates truth from falsehood in our lives.

When we approach you too easily and casually,

thinking that we are in control,

your baptism of holiness reveals that your loving sacrifice for us

reorders all of our relationships and priorities.

God, we too quickly assume that reality is based on how we perceive the world.

Arrogantly, we treat you as someone doing our bidding,

waiting to fulfill our whims or wants,

and unable or unwilling to challenge our most cherished idols.

Your vision, your timing, and your intense passion are at times very foreign to us.

Our misguided intentions seek shallow answers, blind agreement,

and approval of what we already believe.

Erect within us courage that shatters and exceeds assumed boundaries.

Release us from illusions that dampen your fire within us.

Build a kingdom sensitivity that yields to your will.

Help us to step back and ask:

what, our Lord, do you seek for us? Where are you leading?

Show us how we should care.

And when we trust you completely, whether family, friend, or stranger,

we will love all people as you love them.

We are ready for your open future,

for in the days ahead, we will find you already at work.

~ Copyright © 2010, Reverend Randy N. Sherrill. Posted on the website of the Konnoak Hills United Methodist Church. http://www.konnoakhillsumc.org/

Call to Worship: The Vineyard

Here’s a call to worship inspired by Isaiah 5 and Psalm 80. It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Isaiah 5 and Psalm 80)

Long ago a vineyard was planted.

The ground was prepared, and all was made ready.
But the vines grew wild,

the ground was unable to support the wild grapes.
What happened in that place of promise?
People forgot the One who planted the vineyard.

They chose their own ways and failed.
Let us again turn to the Lord,

who will again plant, prune, and cause us to grow in faithfulness.
Let us open our hearts to God,

trusting in God's ways and God's word. Amen.

~ from the Worship Connection page of the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/

Call to Worship: Hebrews 11-12

Here’s a call to worship inspired by Hebrews 11-12.  It comes from the Purity Presbyterian Church in South Carolina.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Hebrews 11-12)

God has called us like Moses in the wilderness,

the prophets in the hills, and the disciples in the cities.

They shared their blessings so that we might know God’s presence here.

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely.

Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

~ posted on the website of the Purity Presbyterian Church. http://puritypc.com/

Prayers of the People: Luke 12: 49-56

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by Luke 12: 49-56. It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Prayer of Intercession

(inspired by Luke 12: 49-56)

God of Christ Jesus, please hear our prayers for the human family in its happiness or its distress. Gather us up into the reconciling fire of your love, that we may be purged of all that fosters misery, and inducted into everything that creates love, joy and peace.

We commend to you those who feel ground down or broken,

isolated or alienated.

We commend to you the hungry or homeless, anxious or in agony.

We commend to you those who through terrorism and war

are shattered and despairing.

We commend to you the frightened and insane,

the dying and grieving.

We commend to you the tempted and the fallen,

the fearful and the faithless.

We commend to you the church with its truth and error,

its faith and its fear.

We commend to you all who love Christ,

and work for his way of reconciliation, justice, compassion, and peace.

God of Christ Jesus,

we submit these prayers to your refining fire.

Purify all that is pleases you for the service of your kingdom of grace,

where no good thing is discarded, and no loving deed wasted. 

For your love’s sake.

Amen!

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page. http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocC/C49sun20.htm

Prayers of the People: Luke 12:49-56

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by Luke 12: 49-56. It was written by Keith Howard.

Prayer for Others

(inspired by Luke 12: 49-56)

Our God we give you thanks that some things are important

Place and space

We bring before you this morning

the millions of your children on this globe

who are now in motion or displaced by floods, political persecution,

famine, racial or religious persecution.

Let the images of thousands lining the roadways

seeking a safe place and space

be seared upon our hearts as they are upon yours.

We give you thanks that some things are important.

How people are treated.

Too often tension is resolved in non-respectful ways.

People are bullied and bulldozed;

others give away their power, “whatever,” “Yes, dear,”; “Yes, sir!”

Give us courage to have respectful conversations

with our children, our friends, those whose are different than us,

those whose language it is difficult for us to understand.

We give you thanks that some things are important.

How we see and treat ourselves.

We pray for those who do not see themselves as beloved,

as welcome at this table or any other

because of their history, their addictions,

their struggles or our lack of hospitality.

We give you thanks that some things are important.

How we see the world, the voices we choose to hear,

the pain and grief we allow ourselves to witness

and the transformation you continually bring.

Continue to work your transformation within us and within this world

so that we shall seek first your will, your dream

and the desire of your heart will set the beat.

For we desire to be your people,

who stand in a long line of those

who sit among lepers and shepherds outside the gates,

asking simply that Jesus teach us a prayer.

So it with them and with him, we pray.

Our Father …

Amen.

~ posted on KeithHoward.ca http://keithhoward.ca/2010/09/07/division-prayer-prompted-by-luke-1249-56/