Prayer for the Church

January 18-25 is observed by many in the northern hemisphere as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Here is a prayer from the World Council of Churches website which is appropriate for that occasion (and others throughout the year).

A Prayer for the Church

God, Protector of the widow,

the orphan and the stranger –

in a world where many know despair,

you raised your Son Jesus

to give hope for humanity and renewal to the earth.

Continue to strengthen and unify your Church

in its struggles against the forces of death in the world,

where violence against creation and humanity

obscures the hope of the new life you offer.

This we pray in the name of the Risen Lord,

in the power of His Spirit. Amen.

~ from Resources for The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and throughout the year (2011), http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/files/wcc-main/documents/p2/2010/WOP2011eng.pdf  jointly prepared and published by The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and The Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.  Posted on the World Council of Churches website.  http://www.oikoumene.org/en/home.html

Call to Worship: Spirit of the Ages

Here’s a responsive call to worship inspired by Psalm 146:5-10. It comes from Tim Graves and the LiturgyBits blog.

Call to Worship: Spirit of the Ages

(inspired by Psalm 146:5-10)

Come and worship!
We will praise the One between, within, and over.

Trust in the One who co-creates the was, the now, and the will-be.
Our hope is in the One who creates expansive love

calling us to do the same.

Follow the One who never breaks covenant.
We follow the One whose extravagant love calls us

to co-create justice for the oppressed,

feed the hungry, unlock prisons,

and welcome strangers, orphans, and widows.

Praise the One whose justice is grace-full and inclusive.
We praise the Spirit that spans the ages. Amen! 

~ written by Tim Graves, and posted on LiturgyBits. https://liturgybits.wordpress.com

Psalm 146 Call to Worship

Here’s a responsive call to worship inspired by Psalm 146. It was written by Tim Graves, and posted on LiturgyBits (link below).

Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 146)

Praise God with your whole being!

I will praise God as long as I live!

Don’t trust the plans of humanity.

Only God’s expansive love is eternal.

Praise God!

We praise the creator,

the God of Jacob.

The one who straightens the bent,

who loves the hungry and poor.

Praise God!

We are here to praise our God,

who protects the immigrant,

who helps the orphan and widow.

Praise God!

Praise the creator whose love flows from

generation to generation until all is

as God dreams it can be.

Praise God!                                

~ written by Tim Graves, and posted on LiturgyBits. https://liturgybits.wordpress.com 

Prayer: Psalm 146

Here’s a prayer inspired by Psalm 146.  It was written by Christine Jerrett.

Prayer

(based on Psalm 146)

There are days
when all that keep me praying
is the decision to trust you, O God.

To trust that You are still in charge
that You are watching over my way
that You care about truth
even when the liars seem so strong.

So, for today,
I choose to trust in your faithfulness
in your power to create new beginnings
where none seem possible
in your watchful care
over the oppressed
the stranger
the orphan

Unblind me
Open my eyes to see You
lifting up those who are bowed down
upholding orphans and widows
bringing the way of the wicked to ruin.

Let me see Your reign

Then, summon me to join the praise of Your people
echoing through the generations

Praise the LORD!

~ written by Christine Jerrett, and posted on Christine Jerrett: Reflections on being the Church in God’s new creation.  http://christinejerrett.wordpress.com/

Litany of Praise: Psalm 146

Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,

whose hope is in the Lord their God.

He is the one who made heaven and earth,

the sea, and everything in them.

He is the one who keeps every promise forever,

who gives justice to the oppressed

and food to the hungry.

The Lord frees the prisoners.

The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads.

The Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord protects the foreigners among us.

He care for the orphans and widows,

but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,

whose hope is in the Lord their God.

~ Psalm 146:5-9

A Responsive Prayer for Justice

Here is a prayer for justice from Rebecca Sutton, Program Coordinator of Global Women’s Exchange. This prayer was developed for the NY State Labor-Religion Coalition’s seventh annual 40-hour fast.  It was also part of Prayers for a Just Economy, a 2013 prayer service calling for an increase in the federal minimum wage. The prayer was posted on the United Church of Christ website. 

Prayer for Justice

Pray for those who are hungry.

Pray harder for those who will not feed them.

Pray for those who struggle each week to pay their bills.
Pray harder for the wealthy who do not care.

Pray for those who are homeless.
Pray harder for those who deny them shelter.

Pray for the sick and lonely.
Pray harder for those who will not give them comfort.

Pray for those who cry out for dignity.
Pray harder for those who will not listen.

Pray for those oppressed by unjust wages.
Pray harder for those who exploit them.

Pray for those who bear the yoke of prejudice.
Pray harder for those who discriminate against them.

Pray for those whose basic needs are denied.
Pray harder for public officials who cater to the greedy

and ignore those bound unjustly. Amen.

~ written by Rebecca Sutton, Program Coordinator of Global Women’s Exchange. Posted on the United Church of Christ website. http://www.ucc.org/justice_worker-justice_labor-sunday_worship-resources#liturgy

Contemporary Call to Worship: Psalm 30

Here’s a contemporary call to worship litany inspired by Psalm 30.  It was written by Rev. Susan A. Blain.

Contemporary Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 30)

Sing praises to God, all you faithful ones 

God hears us in our fear and our sorrow

Where there was no way

God leads us in a new way

Where there was no mercy

God surprises us with fresh mercy

Where there was weeping

God invites us to step into a new dance.

— written by Rev. Susan A. Blain, and posted on the Worship Ways website. http://uccfiles.com/

Praise Litany: Psalm 146

Come! Sing praise to God!

We will praise God as long as we live!

Blessed are those

who have the God of Israel as their helper,

whose hope is in the Most High – 

Creator of heaven and earth,

the sea, and all that is in them.

Come! Sing praise to God!

We will praise God as long as we live!

God keeps every promise forever.

God gives justice to the oppressed,

and food to those who hunger.

Come! Sing praise to God!

We will praise God as long as we live!

God frees the prisoners,

opens the eyes of the blind,

and lifts the burdens of those bowed down.

God watches over the refugee,

and upholds the orphan and widow.

Come! Sing praise to God!

We will praise God as long as we live!

Our God loves those who do right,

but deliberately thwarts those who do evil.

Come! Sing praise to God!

We will praise God as long as we live!

Call to Worship Litany: Psalm 146

Hallelujah! We will praise the Lord as long as we live!

Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,

whose hope is in the Lord their God.

He is the one who made heaven and earth,

the sea, and everything in them.

Hallelujah! We will praise the Lord as long as we live!

He is the one who keeps every promise forever,

who gives justice to the oppressed,

and food to the hungry.

Hallelujah! We will praise the Lord as long as we live!

The Lord frees the prisoners.

The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads.

The Lord loves the righteous.

Hallelujah! We will praise the Lord as long as we live!

~ Psalm 146:2a, 5-8

Call to Worship: Sing Praises to our Lord

Here’s a responsive call to worship from Thom Shuman’s Lectionary Liturgies website.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 30)

Sing praises to our Lord:
who heals us and makes us whole.
Sing praises to our Lord, faithful children of God:
whose joy rises in our lives each and every day.
Sing praises to our Lord, faithful children of God; 
give thanks to God's holy name:
God's Kingdom is near to us;

God's peace resides in our hearts.

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

Call to Worship: Psalm 30

Here’s a responsive call to worship based on Psalm 30. It was written by Jeff Shrowder, and posted on The Billabong.

Responsive Call to Worship

(based on Psalm 30)

Sing praises to the LORD,
and give thanks to God’s holy name
for the LORD our God has healed us
when we cried for help
and restored us in times of deepest despair.
The LORD has turned our sorrow into dancing;
taken our sackcloth from us,and clothed us with joy.
Sing to the LORD without end,
and give thanks to the LORD forever. 
Eternal and ever present God,
sustain and excite our gathered community;
arouse our expectancy;
subdue our expectations.
Come, silent Spirit, and embrace us.
Let the words we see and hear and speak and sing
be transformed by the Word made flesh, 
that our worship may be wholly yours, Lord God.
We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

~ written by Jeff Shrowder, and posted on The Billabong. When including any of these resources in printed orders of worship, pew sheets and similar publications for congregational use, please include an acknowledgement, such as, "© Jeff Shrowder (http://thebillabong.info) Used with permission."

Contemporary Call to Worship: Proper 5 C

Here’s a contemporary call to worship inspired by the suggested scripture readings for the third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5C).  It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Contemporary Gathering Words

(inspired by 1 Kings 17, Psalm 146, Luke 7)

Strangers meet.
Oil and grain turn to bread.
The sick are healed.
The weary are lifted up.
The prisoners are set free.
The everyday becomes a miracle.
This is God’s work.
We are its witnesses.
Let us worship God.

~ posted on the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/worship/tag/prayers#axzz2TrliqFM6

Confession: Proper 5 C

Here’s a prayer of confession inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Proper 5 C, the 3^rd Sunday after Pentecost.  It comes from the Ministry Matters website.

Prayer of Confession

(inspired by Psalm 146, 1 Kings 17)

Merciful God,
you know how we love miracles.
We love your healing, life-giving presence.
We confess that poverty and oppression
are less appealing topics.
Yet, we find you among the poor,
the downtrodden, the widow, the orphan.
In their midst we find you,
your prophets, and your miracles.
Dwell with us,
as we make the struggles of the oppressed
our own struggles.
Join us at your table,
as we join the effort to feed and clothe
those who live in want.
Grant us your compassion, we pray,
that we may truly be your people. Amen.

~ posted on the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/worship/tag/prayers#axzz2TrliqFM6

Call to Worship, Opening Prayer: Psalm 146

Here’s a combination call to worship and opening prayer inspired by Psalm 146:5-10.  It was written by Joan Stott and posted on The Timeless Psalms.

Responsive Call to Worship

(based on Psalm 146: 5-10)

Called to be God’s people,

we gather in joy-filled celebration of our Creating God.
We celebrate the Godly miracles of creation

we experience every day and night.

Called to be a people of faith,

we gather to praise our Eternal and Loving God.
Faithful God, we gather to give our thanks

that your promises are totally reliable.

Called to be a people of hope and trust,

we gather to give thanks for God’s care
and compassion towards people who are vulnerable

to life’s fears and stresses.
Justice-loving God,

we give thanks that your love and mercy

are the source and power behind God’s commitments

to the created world and towards all humanity;
and especially towards vulnerable,

dispossessed and isolated people in our midst. Amen.

~ written by Joan Stott, and posted on The Timeless Psalms. http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/advent3a_2013.htm

Prayer Reflection: Galatians 1: 11-19

Here’s a prayer reflection inspired by Galatians 1: 11-19.  It was written by Anne Osdieck and posted on The Center for Liturgy Sunday Web Site.

Prayer Reflection

(inspired by Galatians 1: 11-19)

But when God, who from my mother’s womb had set me apart

and called me through his grace….

Paul’s soul was dead.
Through your grace
you called him
back to life,
to live in
you.

Christ, call us.
Give us your love and your grace.
It is enough for us.

~ written by Anne Osdieck, and posted on The Center for Liturgy Sunday Web Site. http://liturgy.slu.edu/TrinityC052613/prayerpathmain.html

Contemporary Songs: Psalm 30

If you’re looking for contemporary Praise & Worship song suggestions to use with Psalm 30 (the suggested psalm for  Proper 5C, Epiphany 6B, Easter 3C, Proper 9C, and Proper 8B), you can find a list at my new blog, Contemporary Psalms. http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/  The blog is not finished (and likely never will be, since I keep coming across new songs!), but it’s a start.

Follow this link to Psalm 30: http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/2013/05/psalm-30.html

Prayers of the People: 1 Kings 17

Here’s a prayer of intercession from the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.  It was written by Rev Allan McCafferty.

Prayer of Intercession

(inspired by 1 Kings 17)

Hear us as we pray for those who are thirsty,

places where there is drought,

or a lack of a clean water supply.

And for those who have to carry water for miles to keep everyday life feasible.

Lord hear us

Lord graciously hear us

We pray for those who are hungry,

places where the harvest has failed,

or some disaster or accident has affected the crop yield.

For those who are struggling to find employment 

and so struggling to afford to put the food they would like on the table.

Lord hear us

Lord graciously hear us

We pray for those who are struggling because they are widows or widowers,

for those who are bereaved 

having experienced the death of someone important to them 

whom they loved and still love.

Lord hear us

Lord graciously hear us

We pray for those who are ill or near death,

those known to us

and those unknown to us but known to you

Lord hear us

Lord graciously hear us

In silence we lift up those people and situations uppermost in our thinking today…

Lord hear us

Lord graciously hear us

And hear us as we sum up all our prayers in the words Jesus taught us….

Our Father…

~ written by Rev Allan McCafferty, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/starters_for_sunday/june

Contemporary Songs: Psalm 146

If you’re looking for contemporary Praise & Worship song suggestions to use with Psalm 146 (the suggested psalm for  Proper 5C, Proper 27B, Proper 18B, Proper 21C, Proper 26B, and Advent 3A), you can find a list at my new blog, Contemporary Psalms. http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/  The blog is not finished (and likely never will be, since I keep coming across new songs!), but it’s a start.

Follow this link to Psalm 146: http://contemporarypsalms.blogspot.ca/2013/05/psalm-146.html