Call to Worship: Isaiah 43: 2

Here’s a call to worship inspired by Isaiah 43:2. It was written by Rev. Mindi and posted on her Rev-o-lution blog.

Call to Worship

(Inspired by Isaiah 43:2)

When we pass through the waters,

God is there with us.

When we suffer and feel hopeless,

God is there with us.

When we are joyful and celebratory,

God is there with us.

Whether we feel triumphant or defeated,

God is there with us, always.

Come, let us worship together with Emmanuel,

God with us. 

~ written by Rev. Mindi, and posted on Rev-o-lution. http://rev-o-lution.org/2011/10/23/worship-resources-for-october-30-2011-and-all-saints-day/

Call to Worship: Hebrews 10: 19-22

Here’s a call to worship inspired by Hebrews 10:19-22. 

Call to Worship

(inspired by Hebrews 10:19-22)

We gather together to worship,

knowing that God is already here among us;

knowing that there is nothing that separates us

from the presence of our Lord.
Wherever we are, wherever we go,

God is near.

So let us enter into this service of worship

with confidence and hope,

knowing that God is already with us,

and that He stands eager to meet us

and bless us with His love.

Call to Worship: Psalm 16

Come, bless the Lord,

in whom we find our refuge and safety.

You are our God;

all the good things come from You alone.

Come, bless the Lord,

who gives us a rich inheritance,

and surrounds us with abundance.

You are our God;

our lives are in your hands.

Come, bless the Lord,

who guides us on the path to eternal life,

whose presence strengthens and sustains us.

You are our God;

we will not be shaken.

Let’s worship God together!

Call to Worship: 1 Samuel 2: 1-10

Here’s a call to worship inspired by Hannah’s song of praise in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

Call to Worship

(inspired by 1 Samuel 2:1-10)

There is no God like our God—

who gives strength to the weak,

but breaks the power of the mighty;

who gives food to the famished,

but makes those already full work for their bread;

who raises the poor from the dust,

but humbles the proud and arrogant.

There is no God like our God!

A Parting Blessing

Here’s a parting blessing from the Third Space website. It was originally published by Methodist Publishing in 2009.

A Parting Blessing

God’s blessing be upon us

as we leave and return changed to our homes.
May we strengthen and encourage one another

in our shared vision.

And may the blessing of our adventurous Creator God go with us.

And may the blessing of the Son,

who showed us how to live,

re-shape us.

And may the blessing of the dancing Spirit

joyfully enable us in our renewed living.  Amen.

~ from Hope in God’s Future: Christian Discipleship in the Context of Climate Change Report & Study Guide, Methodist Publishing 2009.  Posted on the Third Space website. http://third-space.org.uk/blog

Litany: Psalm 16

Here’s an intergenerational litany inspired by verses from Psalm 16.  It comes from Carolyn Brown’s Worshiping with Children website.

Scripture Litany

(inspired by verses from Psalm 16, CEV)

I say “Only you are my Lord!

Every good thing I have is a gift from you.”

Alleuia!

Your people are wonderful,

and they make me happy, 

Alleuia!

You, Lord, are all I want!

You are my choice,

and you keep me safe.

You make my life pleasant,

and my future is bright.

Alleuia!

I praise you, Lord, for being my guide.

Even in the darkest night,

your teachings fill my mind.

I will always look to you.

Alleuia!

You won’t leave me in the grave

or let my body decay.

Alleuia!

You have shown me the path to life,

and you make me glad by being near to me.

Sitting at your right side,

I will always be joyful.

Alleuia!

~ written by Carolyn Brown, and posted on Worshiping with Children. http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.ca/

Affirmation of Faith: God Remains

Here’s an affirmation of faith inspired by Matthew 24:1-14, Mark 13:1-13, Luke 21:5-19. It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Affirmation of Faith

(inspired by Matthew 24:1-14, Mark 13:1-13, Luke 21:5-19)

This I truly believe.

I believe in Jesus the Christ.

I believe in the ever-present Spirit

I believe in God whose love transforms all things.

Though false teachers come and delude the gullible,

God’s truth remains sure.

Though temples crumble and churches wither,

God’s gospel remains sure.

Though earthquakes strike and diseases ravage,

God’s purpose remains sure.

Though good people suffer injustice and persecution,

God’s love remains sure.

Though saints go to prison or face execution,

God’s life remains sure.

I believe in God who treasures and nurtures us,

who yearns over the fate of each one as if they were all,

and who turns loss to gain and defeat to victory.

This I truly believe.

Amen!

~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page. http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocC/C63sun33.htm

Litany: Together We Shall Go On

Here’s a litany from Roddy Hamilton.

Together we shall go on

“As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters,

never get tired of doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13

In the loving of neighbour
and the sharing of love
together we shall go on

In the celebration of life
and the sharing of that life together
together we shall go on

In the caring of the earth
and the sharing of her harvest
together we shall go on

In the variety of people
and the sharing of our talents
together we shall go on

In the laughter we make
and the sharing of the journey
together we shall go on

In the love of this community
and the sharing of our faith
together we shall go on

~ written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Listening to the Stones. http://newkilpatrickblog.typepad.com/nk-blogging/mucky-paws/  Used by permission.

Pastoral Prayer: Proper 28C

Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 28, Year C.  It was written by Allan Eckert, and posted on the South Texas Lutheran website.

Pastoral Prayer

Lord God heavenly Father, we lift up our hearts to You in prayer, trusting in Your help:

You have promised to be our keeper—to guard our going out and coming in from this time forth and forever more and so we ask that You would be with and uphold those who are ill. Grant them healing according to Your will.

As we look forward to the day of Christ’s return in glory, help us by Your Holy Spirit to remember Your holy law, statutes, and just decrees and walk in them according to Your will and in this way show reverence for Your holy name which You have bestowed upon us in Baptism.

We ask Your blessing upon our national economy and upon our own jobs and financial well-being. Direct the unemployed to useful labor that will provide for their needs. Lead us to be generous to those who are suffering economic hardships. Sustain in us all a strong work ethic so that so that we might provide for our families, help those in need, and give generously for the work of the church. Help us to not grow weary in doing good.

Give us an ongoing awareness that this world and the things of this world will not endure forever, but there will come a Last Day. In the midst of natural disasters and socio-economic distress and political uncertainty help us to see these events as signs of the end so that day would not catch us unaware but that instead we would recognize that our redemption is drawing near.

Bless Your church on earth. Protect us from false teachers who would deceive by Your name and lead us astray. Help us to always hold fast to the firm foundation of Your Word. In the midst of uncertain times, grant us the mouth and the wisdom to bear witness to Your Son Jesus Christ and the redemption we have in Him.

Dear heavenly Father, whatever else You see that we need—whatever is for the good of our neighbor and redounds to Your glory—we pray that You would grant to us, Your children. We ask it Jesus’ name who taught us to pray:  Our Father….

~ excerpted from a prayer written by Allan Eckert, and posted on the South Texas Lutheran website. http://thesouthtexaslutheran.blogspot.ca/2010/11/general-pray-proper-28c.html

Prayers of the People: New Heavens, New Earth

Here’s a prayer of petition and intercession written by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild.

Prayer of Petition and Intercession

(inspired by Isaiah 12:1-6, Luke 21, Mark 13, Revelation 21:1-5)

We are glad and rejoice forever in you, O God. 

With joy we draw deeply from your well of salvation

and pray that even as we have sung, you may fulfill our story—

the story of your love. 

Though the world has been gripped by trouble since early days,

and life has often been short and tormented,

you have given us a vision of a day beyond the terrors:

a day when the heavens and earth will be new again,

a day when the sound of weeping will give way to delight,

a time when all creation will live in peace

and people will long enjoy the fruits of their labours. 

Help us to hold to that vision when the temples about us are falling,

and our world is shaken. 

Strengthen us for the telling of your truth

and for keeping to your path,

that we might not weary in doing what is right,

but through endurance may gain our souls,

even as you desire for us to do. 

Lord, hear our prayer….

As we pray for a new heaven and a new earth this day,

we especially are aware of those among us

and those beyond these doors who are in deep need of your peace,

of your healing touch, of your just and bounteous kingdom.

We pray those who dwell in places of strife, need, and want….

Lord, hear our prayer….

We pray for those who have been bereaved in the past week....

Lord, hear our prayer….

We pray for those who are unemployed and those fear layoff or termination

and all those struggling with a burden in the workplace and the marketplace….

Lord, hear our prayer….

And finally, we pray for today for those of our brothers and sisters

who face persecution because of their faith. 

For those who are deprived of their basic human rights,

and those who are deprived of their lives

because of their desire to worship and serve you...

Lord, hear our prayer….

Let us give thanks to the one to whom we pray,

the one who brings both the snow and the sun;

the one  who heals this troubled world;

the sick; and those who turn to Him in faith;

the one who grants new life not only to us,

but to the creation itself....

Lord, hear our prayer….

Gracious God,

we pray to you in the name of the one who came to show us the way,

he who is our Lord and our Redeemer, our brother and our friend.

We pray to you as one family, even as he taught us, saying...

Our Father….

~ written by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild, and posted on Kir-shalom. http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/c-or33sn.php

Pastoral Prayer: Proper 28C

Here’s a pastoral prayer inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 28, Year C.  It was written by Terri, and posted on RevGalBlogPals.

Pastoral Prayer

(inspired by Luke 21, 2 Thessalonians 3)

Blessed God,

who caused all holy scripture to be written for our learning:

Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,

that we may embrace and ever hold fast

the blessed hope of everlasting life.

Signs of heaven, sighs of hope.

Let us pray.

Fill us O God, with Your words and wisdom.

Blessed God,

we ask your care for those who are victims of wars and insurrections,

may they not be terrified;

for Nations rising against nations,

let Your love, steadfast and faithful,

be a great sign from heaven,

may Your peace bend our will to your will,

like trees in a strong wind.

Signs of heaven, sighs of hope.

Let us pray.
Fill us O God, with Your words and wisdom.

Blessed God,

grant your healing grace to the victims of great earthquakes,

famines and plagues;

let Your love, steadfast and faithful,

be a great sign from heaven,

may Your peace bend our will to your will,

like trees in a strong wind.

Signs of heaven, sighs of hope.

Let us pray.
Fill us O God, with Your words and wisdom.

Blessed God,

when we are weary, help us to do what is right.

Do not let us be led astray,

help us to come, in Your name, praising Your goodness.

Let Your love, steadfast and faithful,

be a great sign from heaven,

may Your peace bend our will to your will,

like trees in a strong wind.

Signs of heaven, sighs of hope.

Let us pray.
Fill us O God, with Your words and wisdom.

Blessed God,

we thank you for all the blessings of this life.

For the gift of life.

For the gift of Christ,

for the gift of the Holy Spirit,

for your tender mercy.

For Your saving love.

Let Your love, steadfast and faithful,

be a great sign from heaven,

may Your peace bend our will to your will,

like trees in a strong wind.

Signs of heaven, sighs of hope.

Amen.

~ written by Terri, and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.org/2010/11/14/sunday-prayer-28c/

Contemporary Songs: Psalm 16

If you’re looking for contemporary Praise & Worship song suggestions to use with Psalm 16 (the suggested psalm for  Proper 8C, Easter 2A, Proper 28B), you can find a list at my Contemporary Psalms blog. http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/  The blog is not finished (and probably never will be, since I keep coming across new songs!), but it’s a start.

Follow this link to Psalm 16: http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/2013/05/psalm-16.html

Benediction: Psalm 16

As you go from here, remember:

God is always with you.

No matter what you face,

no matters what trials or hardships come your way,

God is right beside you,

guiding and directing your path.

So do not live in fear, but in joy,

celebrating God’s presence

and singing God’s praise.  

Call to Worship: Psalm 16: 7-9

Come, bless the Lord who guides us,

whose wise teaching directs our days

and focuses our minds at night;

whose presence sustains us

and surrounds us here.

We bless the Lord who is present among us.

We will not be shaken or live in fear,

but will sing God’s praise

and worship with joy!

Benediction: Psalm 16: 8-11

As you go from here,

keep the Lord always before you.

He is at your right hand: you shall not be moved.

So let your heart be glad – let your soul rejoice!

For God will show you the path of life.

In His presence is fullness of joy.

Responsive Call to Worship: Psalm 16

You are our security, O Lord, we find refuge in You.

Everything that is good comes from You Lord!

You give me guidance and make my heart glad,

You lead me on the path of life.

In Your presence there is fullness of joy,

In Your kingdom there is fulfillment forever! Amen!

~ posted on Lectionary Sermons Worship Archive. http://www.lectionarysermons.com/ARCH-W.html

Prayer: That we may be ready

Here’s a prayer inspired by Jesus’ comments about the future (Matthew 24:4-14, Mark 13:5-13, Luke 21:8-19).  It was written by Michael Perry.

Praying that we may be ready

(based on Matthew 24:1-14, Mark 13:1-13, Luke 21:5-19)

When the skies grow dark and buildings fall, then hear us:
have mercy on us, Lord.

When deceivers come and the nations rise in anger, then hear us:
have mercy on us, Lord.

When famines begin,

and when the earth shakes to bring the future to birth, then hear us:
have mercy on us, Lord.

When we take our stand to witness to your truth,

when our people are arrested and betrayed, then hear us:
have mercy on us, Lord.

When the sun is darkened and the moon fails to give us light,

and when the stars fall from the sky, then hear us:
have mercy on us, Lord.

When you come in your great power and glory with your angels from heaven:
Then, Lord,
gather us from the four winds—
from the ends of the earth,
to be with you for ever and ever. Amen.

~ written by Michael Perry.  Posted on the Jubilate Hymns website. http://www.jubilate.co.uk/

Call to Worship, Prayer: 1 Samuel 2

Here’s a call to worship and opening prayer based on 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Hannah’s prayer).  It comes from the Mission and Discipleship Council of the Church of Scotland, and was posted on the Starters for Sunday website.

Call to Worship

(inspired by 1 Samuel 2: 1-10 NRSV)

There is no holy One, or no rock like our God

who causes my heart to rejoice and my strength to increase,

For the Lord is a God of knowledge, who judges our actions.

Who breaks the power of the mighty, and clothes the feeble with strength,

The Lord makes rich and makes poor, brings low and lifts up.

Raising up the poor from the dust and the needy from the ash heap;

Giving them seats of honour and guarding the feet of those who are faithful.

While the wicked and those who rebel against the Lord will be shattered.

We worship and praise God - judge of all the earth.

Our God is strong, like a rock.

We come to worship the God of justice and joy.

Our God cares for the ones the world forgets.

We come to worship the God of justice and joy.

Our God is the one who gives life, and who guards the future.

We come to worship the God of justice and joy.

Come, let us worship God.

Prayer of Praise and Adoration

(inspired by 1 Samuel 2: 1-10)

God of all knowledge,

Hannah’s prayer resonates not only across the ages

but in our hearts, as, like her, we praise you

as our rock and our redeemer.

We worship you with awe,

knowing that there is no holy One like you.

And yet you took on our humanity

to reveal your love and your mercy in person.

In Jesus who, taking the form of a servant, taught us about your power.

The power dreamed of by Hannah—power at the service of others,

raising up the powerless,

strengthening the weak,

healing the sick,

replacing despair with hope,

bringing life where there was death.

We praise and adore you, O God, for these wonderful signs of your love.

May this time of worship and the service of our lives

be a  worthy response to these gifts.

This we pray in Jesus’ name and for his sake. Amen.

~ posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/

Prayers of the People: Mark 13: 5-8

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by Jesus’ words in Mark 13: 5-8.  It was written by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild.

Prayers of the People

(inspired by Mark 13:5-8)

There is fear O God, and there is uncertainty in many  human hearts—

even in our hearts today—and for some—every day.

There is aimlessness in the hearts of others—

senseless excitements about the details of the end of time,

about the signs that are around us, for us to read and to understand—

and yet they have no peace in this knowing

and often argue about the meaning of things with others

instead of breathing in the strength of earth and sky

and breathing out love and compassion upon their own selves

and the self of the world around them—the world you have made.

O Great God,

you know about Fear, Aimlessness, Senseless excitements,

and deep depressions of the soul. 

You understand the afflictions of the lonely—

of those who have no one to draw close to. 

We pray especially today for these O God,

that they may know your presence and see your power

and be consumed by your glory

and so find that which we all need.... 

Shine your light, we pray,

upon those we name before you in our hearts now,

be it ourselves, or the person next to us,

or one we left at home,

perhaps one we heard about on TV

or the one who is our neighbour.

Peace, O God, to them as we lift them up before you now...

Lord, hear our prayer...

~ written by Richard J. Fairchild, and posted on the Kir-shalom website. http://www.rockies.net/

All-Age Readers' Theatre: 1 Samuel 2

Here’s an intergenerational setting of 1 Samuel 2:1-10, set for multiple voices.  It was written by Carolyn Brown, based on Today’s English Version of the scripture.

Carolyn notes:  “Hannah’s prayer or song should be read by one or more women. If the group includes women and girls of all ages, it feels like a choir of happy women praising God.  The script below lists 15 readers, but could be read by as few as 3 or4 readers with each reading one part in turn.  Give each reader a script with her part/s highlighted. 

Hannah’s Prayer

All:       The Lord has filled my heart with joy;

            how happy I am because of what he has done!

1:         I laugh at my enemies;

            how joyful I am because God has helped me!

2:         No one is holy like the Lord;

            there is none like him,

            no protector like our God. 

3:         Stop your loud boasting;

            silence your proud words.

            For the Lord is a God who knows,

            and he judges all that people do. 

4:         The bows of strong soldiers are broken,

            but the weak grow strong. 

5:         The people who once were well fed

            now hire themselves out to get food,

            but the hungry are hungry no more. 

6:         The childless wife has borne seven children,

            but the mother of many is left with none. 

7:         The Lord kills and restores to life;

            he sends people to the world of the dead

            and brings them back again. 

8:         The Lord makes some poor and others rich;

            he humbles some and makes others great. 

9:         The Lord lifts the poor from the dust

            and raises the needy from their misery. 

10:       The Lord makes them companions of princes

            and puts them in places of honor. 

11:       The foundations of the earth belong to the Lord;

            on them he has built the world.

12:       The Lord protects the lives of his faithful people,

            but the wicked disappear in darkness; 

13:       People do not triumph by their own strength. 

14:       The Lord’s enemies will be destroyed;

            he will thunder against them from heaven. 

15:       The Lord will judge the whole world;

            he will give power to his king,

            he will make his chosen king victorious.

~ from Carolyn Brown’s Worshipping with Children website. http://www.worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.ca/